CITY are battling illness with several players affected ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Gillingham.

Neill Byrne is back in training after missing the win at Tranmere with a sickness bug.

But Graham Alexander revealed that others in the squad have now been struck down.

He said this afternoon: “We’re fluctuating at the moment because this illness has been going through the squad a little bit. We’ve had a couple of lads miss yesterday and a couple of different ones today.

“We’re hoping the break off tomorrow will help give the lads a bit of space between them and we have a fully fit squad on Friday. But we obviously don’t know at the moment.

“We lost Byrner last Saturday from it and three or four since then.

“We have to train and be together but we try to limit the time this week to give everyone the best chance of staying fit.”

Byrne was back on the pitch at Apperley Bridge yesterday and is getting back up to speed again. The City boss is confident he will be ready for the Gills game.

Fellow centre half Jack Shepherd is also training again after going off with a dead leg early in the second half at Prenton Park.

Alexander added: “Byrner was a bit ropey yesterday when he trained because he was lacking energy. But he’s had a full training session today.

“I spoke to him afterwards and he said he feels miles better. With another 72 hours before the game, I think he’ll be fine for selection.

“But it’s the other guys who have got it now. With Byrner, it was 24 hours feeling sick and then just replenishing his energy levels.

“We’re hoping it’s just the same with the other boys.

“Jack trained today but it’s something he’s been nursing for quite a few weeks.

“He’s a tough boy and he’s going to have to crack on.”