Louie Barry of Stockport County

Stockport County manager David Challinor is hopeful that Louie Barry can aid the League One club’s promotion push starting next month.

The forward required surgery for an injury suffered while on loan at Sheffield United last year.

Barry made nine appearances for the Blades in the first half of the campaign, starting the club’s first five league matches of the season.

On deadline day, he returned to Stockport for a third time following two previous successful loan spells at Edgeley Park.

“Whether Louie plays a massive part, a small part or even no part, the desire for all parties to reunite him back with the football club was unanimous,” Challinor explained.

“His connection with the club has become a special one from both sides and the impact he has had within our team when playing has been huge.

“He’s obviously returning from an injury which required surgery, and we are in the hands of the medical teams as to when he returns. He’s stepping up his rehab and should be back running in the coming week or so and, all things being equal, we may...