Fulham midfielder Simon Davies is edging ever nearer a return to first-team action following a foot injury.
The 30-year-old Wales international has not featured since late September for the Cottagers, having been forced to undergo a minor operation to correct the problem.
However, after lasting 90 minutes of a reserve team clash with Chelsea, Davies said "It's good to get 90 minutes under my belt.
"It was exactly what I needed. Now I've got a couple of hard weeks' training to come and hopefully I'll be involved in the squad for the Birmingham game.
"I'm still not totally fit, but I've got total confidence that my injury is improving after every training session.
"Whereas before it was getting a bit sore or worsening every day, that's not happening this time, so if I can get through the next two weeks I'll be able to overcome that hurdle.
"Originally, after the operation, I was supposed to start running after four to five weeks.
"But I was back in training after four or five weeks having started running after three. So it shows that having the operation was the right way to go."