Popular defender Jimmy Turner has declared himself fit to put in a full shift for AFC Telford United – and believes that the Bucks team today is vastly improved from the one he left behind temporarily while out on loan.The Derby-based centre-back, captain for much of last season, made his long-awaited United return in the FA Trophy win over Gainsborough last weekend following an early injury to Stuart Whitehead.

That was only his second appearance of the season for the Bucks after sustaining a knee injury and then suffering unexpected complications during an operation to cure the problem, but Turner believes that the month away with British Gas Business League Midland One Division outfit Bromsgrove Rovers has done him the world of good.

“It was great just to get playing again,” said the 25-year-old. “I played six games all told, a couple at right-back an then the last couple at centre-half.

“I was rusty at first, of course, but felt like I was getting stronger and my timing was better as it went on.

“But it’s great to be back with the boys now. It was hard to sit back and watch the results come in, especially Southend.

“I played 70 minutes against Gainsborough and felt quite good to be fair and if I am called upon to do 90 minutes again soon then I’m confident that I would be capable of doing it – but it’s up the gaffer and we’ll see what he thinks.

“The boys are really playing well – I can see the difference now from when I left and when I came back – I could see the improvement at Gainsborough. We’re getting better all the time.”

Turner’s recovery has been aided by his job as a gym instructor in Stableford and two weeks of more specific work at Lilleshall.

He continued: “My job really helped me. I was able to do some fitness work in the day and then some strength work when I finished my shift.

“The knee is still not 100 per cent if I am honest, but we’re getting there.

“Once you’re playing you don’t want to return to the bench, but I know that I have to work hard and wait for my chance.”

By Sean Wozencroft