The England full-back underwent knee surgery on June 3, with the diagnosis at the time being it would take 16 weeks for him to make his comeback.

But the 24-year-old’s amazing recovery work puts him on the verge of being ready to play.

When head coach Paul Wellens was asked if Jack’s available for the tasty clash with Wakefield at Belle Vue, he said: “Potentially. He’s trained again. We want to monitor his response.

“Obviously, as you can understand, he’s a hugely important player for us so what we don’t want to do is take unnecessary risks.

“The fact that the injury was first scheduled as a 16-week injury, and he’s shaved six to seven weeks off it through his own hard work and diligence, it would be a shame to take a risk now and offset that hard work.

“We’ll monitor his response from training and then make a strong decision as we approach the weekend.”

Further discussing Welsby’s powers of recovery, Wellens added: “When the injury first got diagnosed as 16 weeks it was a huge blow for us all, and none more so than Jack himself who just loves playing rugby league.

“He’s obviously worked very hard with our medical team to put himself in the best position, and the fact that he’s in the position he is – regardless of whether he plays or not this weekend – he’s a credit to himself.”

When Welsby is confirmed as being available for selection, Wellens has a big decision to make.

Tristan Sailor is showing good form in the number one role, and, while Welsby could also be an option in the halves, current holders of the six and seven positions – Moses Mbye and Jonny Lomax – have been managing the side well.

Indeed, Saints have won six of their seven matches while Welsby’s been sidelined and climbed to fourth on the Super League ladder.

Wellens said he does have a plan when the time is right for solving the Sailor-Welsby full-back dilemma.

“I do, but I prefer to keep that to myself at this moment in time,” said Wellens.

“It’s obviously a very tough call when you have two exceptional players who both prefer to play in the same position.

“We’ve got some big decisions to make moving forward but it’s a nice headache to have because not only are they both quality players but great competitors who are invaluable to have in and around the team.”

When asked if would consider bringing Welsby back into the side in the halves, he reiterated: “I know both players prefer to play in the full-back position so that makes it even more difficult but that’s my job.

“We’ll make a strong decision and have dialogue with all players involved around selection in terms of how the team will shape up.

“I’ve got to pay a huge credit to the players who have been playing week-in week-out and doing an excellent job.

“You’re quite right, players that are doing the job need rewarding for what they’re doing.

“However, we know that Jack’s an unbelievably influential player for us and I’m really confident that he will have a big impact on this team as we approach the back end of the year.”

Wellens was full of praise for what Mbye and Lomax have brought to the side as the preferred halves in recent times, while also commenting on how young gun George Whitby fits into the current thinking.

“Moses and Jonny’s experience through this tough period has been invaluable,” said Wellens.

“They are both very smart players and when presented with a game plan very often go out there and execute.

“Moses has got a really accomplished kicking game which you need also.

“Although young George isn’t in the team at the moment, he’s still continuing to learn every day and he can watch how those experienced players go about their business.

“So it’s very much a learning opportunity for George and we have every confidence, trust and faith that should he be needed we’d have no hesitation to call on him.”

Wellens will name his 21-man squad for the Wakefield trip tomorrow.