STOCKPORT County midfielder Keith Briggs could be ready for the new season after seven months on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old has been out since breaking his ankle on Boxing Day in the 2-0 home win over Notts County.

But Briggs returned to action in County's first friendly of their pre-season - the 1-1 draw against UCD in Dublin on Tuesday night.

Stockport boss Jim Gannon said: "He won't be fully match sharp yet of course, but he has come back into pre-season training fighting fit and raring to go again.

"It's been a tough spell out for Briggsy, but he's worked hard on his rehabilitation over the past few months."

ISRAEL midfielder Yossi Benayoun is set to secure a deal at Liverpool after a fee, believed to be £5million, was agreed with West Ham.

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