GOALKEEPER Alan Marriott is set to make a shock return for Mansfield Town against his former club Lincoln City in the FA Cup tomorrow.
The 34-year-old last played in the 2-2 draw at Telford on September 22 before dislocating his shoulder in a freak training ground accident.
But he played 90 minutes for the reserves in the 0-0 draw at Hull on Wednesday and is now in the frame to face Lincoln in a huge second round game at Sincil Bank (1pm).
The Stags will be backed by more than 1,000 travelling supporters knowing they are a victory away from a potential money-spinning third round tie against one of the Premier League big guns.
And Cox said if Marriott feels ready, he could make his comeback against the club where he is worshipped, after making 396 appearances during almost a decade.
The Stags boss said: "Alan did really well. He is a very good player and he did not just come through the reserve game, it was against a big club.
"He is in my plans and Alan is going back to his old club. He is one of the best goalkeepers at this level and he has to be mentally ready.
"We know what he can do. It is nice to have two goalkeepers vying for one place.
"He got a knock at Hull after about ten minutes which he got up from. That bang would have done him the world of good and he's done everything in training, so we'll have to see."
