AFC Telford United today received a New Year boost after striker Adam Proudlock revealed he would step up his return to fitness next week.

The 30-year-old has been absent since breaking his ankle in the FA Cup victory over Gainsborough Trinity at the end of October.

Proudlock has since been on the long road to recovery since and has attended daily rehabilitation sessions at Lilleshall for the last seven weeks.

And there appears a chink of light at the end of the tunnel for the former Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday hitman.

“It’s going well at the moment,” he said.

“I’ve been doing bike riding and rowing on the machines and the plan is to start running next week.

“After that, it will be about building the strength up in my muscles and hopefully I will be back training in four or five weeks time, about the start of February.”

That will be a major boost to boss Andy Sinton as he attempts to mastermind the Bucks survival in the top flight of Non-League football.

Proudlock was showing signs of discovering his best form after being hit by the injury and hopes the turn of the year can prompt a change of fortunes.

“It’s been really frustrating but I’ve had injuries before in football and you just have to get on with it,” he added.

“The only aim that we have all got is to try and make sure we stay in this league for next season and it’s what everyone is working towards.”

Sinton and his squad are preparing for Sunday’s big trip to Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Wrexham.