The 28-year-old is desperate to make his comeback after having been out with knee problems for over 14 months.
But Phelan insists they will take a ‘softly approach’ due to the severity of his injury.
“It’s a softly, softly approach,” Phelan said.
“He’s out there running around and we are working hard with him on a theme to help him come back.”
“His overall fitness is looking very good, but he hasn’t got involved in a team situation yet,” he added.
“It’s not a problem, it’s just the nature of the injury. He’s as keen as mustard and so determined to get back out there with the group of players.”
