Chris Armstrong appeared in a behind-closed-doors reserves’ match at Blackburn Rovers on Thursday, a game which Athletic lost 5-2. Iain Dowie is delighted to have him back in action but stresses that he won’t be pushed back to action too quickly. He said, “We have to make sure Chris’s rehabilitation is thorough because when he returns we want him back to his best.” It is expected that it will be another two weeks before he is ready for the first team.