VETERAN forward Mike Morin - out of action since Boxing Day with a knee injury - is hoping to crack the Phoenix line-up against London Racers at the MEN Arena on Sunday.

Originally, it was thought that the injury could keep Morin out for up to six weeks, but a lot of rest, ice and physiotherapy looks to have done the trick and shortened the downtime period.

Morin went through a strenuous 45-minute on-ice work-out behind closed doors in the MEN Arena and declared himself, "better than expected."

The Phoenix alternate captain who has been helping out with bench duties while not playing said: "I felt a little apprehensive taking to the ice to do more than just skate around. It's the first time I've really put any weight on the knee and it felt better than I expected. I was able to turn easier than I thought and I felt good shooting the puck."

Asked if there was any chance of an even earlier return against Cardiff on Thursday he smiled and replied, "No. It feels way better than I thought it would, but another couple of days will help me hopefully be ready for Sunday.

"Thursday would be at least one game too early and at this stage of the season is too big a risk for both me and the club there wouldn't be enough time to find another guy if I got hurt and needed even longer off the ice. No, we won"t risk it, but all being well, as Arnie said, 'I'll be back'" on Sunday."

With David Kozier still struggling with both a knee and shoulder strain, Phoenix will go into Thursday's game against the Devils with fourteen skaters and two goalies.

Phoenix travel to Cardiff on Thursday to take on the Devils in the Welsh National Ice Rink before hosting the London Racers in the MEN Arena on Sunday with face-off at 5pm.