BRIAN MASON will return to the Basingstoke Bison line-up for their Scottish weekend having missed the last month after he suffered three broken ribs in a car crash.

The 35-year-old Canadian defenceman (pictured left) passed himself fit to play after Tuesday night's practice and coach Charlie Colon is pleased to welcome his good friend back to the side.

Colon said: "Having Brian back in the line-up is like having a new player. He is fresh and can't wait to play."

Tomorrow, the Wella-backed side face basement team Paisley (7pm) and then on Sunday travel to Edinburgh (6pm) to complete their double-header weekend north of the border.

The Bisonwill be looking for a maximum four points and anything less will seriously dent their title hopes.

Tomorrow's game looks an easy two points, but Colon is taking nothing for granted knowing that former Bison netminder Bill Morrison will be keen to put a spanner in the works of his former club.

Colon said: "We have to come out to play our game against Paisley. They may not have the quality players we have, but they will not lie down and die."

On The Bison's last visit to the Lagoon they won 7-0.

They went on to record a narrow victory the following night in Edinburgh, taking the spoils 4-3.

Colon expects Sunday's game to be another tricky road trip as the Capitals try to move into a play-off spot.

He said: "It is a big building to play in and every team that has gone there has found it difficult. We will look to play a tight game and come away with the two points."

Bison's championship rivals Fife Flyers have re-signed BNL player of the year, netminder Stephen Murphy, and cut import goalie Bill Russell.