Dimi and Dorus in battle for Swans gloves

DIMITRIOUS Konstant- opoulos hopes to make one lasting impression at Swansea City on Friday — but could be robbed of it by the Masked Man.

The Greek shotstopper's loan stint ends following Swansea's game against Birmingham City at the Liberty Stadium, with Konstantopoulos due to decide on whether to renew his deal before returning to parent club Coventry City, who Roberto Martinez's side face a week today.

But Konstantopoulos, who has made a big impression since arriving on a month's loan, could be ousted from the starting Xl because of Dorus de Vries's superb recovery from a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.

The Dutch keeper (pictured) has been sidelined since the 0-0 draw with QPR four weeks ago and had been expected to be ruled out for between six to seven weeks.

But an amazing recovery has put him in the mix ahead of Swansea's latest major Championship test.

If selected, de Vries will wear the protective mask used during his recovery as Swansea take on the high-flying Blues.

"Dorus is progressing extremely well, quicker than what we expected," said Martinez.

"He is probably two weeks ahead of what the doctor predicted. Dorus has shown no fear since the first day and has been training well. We will assess him and see how he feels.

"For the next three or four weeks he will have to wear the protective mask, maybe even longer. A bit of extra protection when coming out for high balls can put you off, so it gives you that extra support."

With Konstantopoulos proving a big hit in his short time in South Wales, the smart money would probably be on him appearing between the sticks.

Saving a penalty on your debut to earn a point is always a good way to start life at a new club, and Konstantopoulos has continued to offer Swansea a firm pair of hands.

Given that he could return to his parent club and be third in line, or challenge de Vries for the No. 1 shirt at Swansea, his position seems a no-brainer.

Konstantopoulos will not be available to face his parent club because of an agreement between the clubs. The same goes for Artur Krysiak for Friday's game with Birmingham.

But Martinez confirmed he will discuss Konstantopoulos's future with both player and club before Swansea head to the Ricoh Arena next week.

"Dimi is someone that has been very frustrated (with a lack of football)," said Martinez.

"He has come in, played football, enjoyed it and is in the best stage of his career.

"His loan finishes before the game at Coventry. We will sit down with Dimi to see how he feels and then it will be between ourselves and Coventry to discuss the possibilities and options.

"We also have Artur, and he has been training very hard. He is a young man with a fantastic future."

Martinez has been boosted by the injuries concerning Ferrie Bodde and Leon Britton.

Bodde, who wore protective tape after a stray Norwich boot landed on his wrist, has shrugged off his ankle complaint, while Britton has recovered from back problems.

Fellow midfielders Andrea Orlandi (quad) and Tom Butler (hamstring) are also close to fitness while Joe Allen (ankle) started jogging yesterday.

Long-term injury victim Marcos Painter has undergone surgery to repair the snapped cruciate sustained against Southampton, and the news has been positive.