COUNTYéS popular vice-captain Keith Briggs is well on the road to recovery and is hopeful of playing a part in the clubés promotion run-in.
Briggs, aged 25, broke his ankle during Countyés 2-0 Edgeley Park win over Notts County last Boxing Day, but his rehabilitation has gone well and he is set to take in some light jogging next week.
Briggs said: "Ités been two months since my injury and it is healing quite well. Iéve put the crutches down now.
"Our physio Rodger Wylde has looked after me really well and Iém extremely grateful to him for that, but Iém due back with the surgeon on March 16 and hopefully heéll give me the okay to resume some form of training.
"Iém hoping that Iéll be back in full training in around five or six weeks time.
"Fingers crossed Iéll get the chance to play again during the final month of the season. Maybe Iéll get the winning goal in the play-off final in Cardiff."
That would be a dream conclusion to a miserable spell for Briggs, but of course he is hoping that the play-offs can be avoided altogether and automatic promotion can be secured.
"Ités been good and bad for me lately," added Briggs. "I hate watching from the stands.
"But I am delighted that the lads have done so well, Iém so happy for them and the fans. The fans deserve a lot of credit, theyéve been magnificent and ités about time they had some success to cheer.
"Ités been frustrating for me sat on the sidelines, but I need to be patient and not rush back. Iém gutted, I wish I was playing, but if I came back too soon then there would be a danger of causing more damage."
Briggs, whose County contract is up in the summer, believes firmly that his team can go straight up in May.
He added: "Thereés belief in the camp now, the lads are not just wondering whether they will win right now, but what score they will win by.
"For us not to concede a goal for so long has been a brilliant achievement, but the lads know that there must be no complacency.
"We just need to aim for that third spot now, and I believe ités very possible considering the run weére on. Iém still around the lads a lot and thereés a lot of banter, the place is buzzing.
"Ités a good place to be, thereés a nice atmosphere. I just want to be part of it again. Iém on the way back now though."
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