Chilvers who ruptured his achilles tendon during last season's run in missed the whole of pre-season and was only expected to return to training in mid October with a return to action towards the close of the year.
Irvine admits the centre half is a good few weeks off making the first team squad but it is a welcome return with Trotman also injured in the same position. The boss may now hold off dipping into the transfer market for a back up defender after being linked with Derby centre back Leacock.