Tom Bayliss is looking forward to a return to action more than most when the Championship resumes, after a spell on the sidelines through injury.
The 21-year-old had expected to miss the remainder of the 2019/20 campaign after surgery on his ankle, but the break in the season has allowed him to recover and he is now hoping to play his part in the final run in after waiting for his opportunity prior to the injury.
Speaking to iFollow PNE after the squad started week three of their return to training, Tom said: "Obviously I have had to be patient but I think with football you have got to be. The lads were doing so well and were in the Play-Off places and winning games so at the time I was just supporting the lads that were playing, training hard and testing them. Injuries happen, it's part of football, but it's how you come back from them.
"It was unfortunate having to have the operation but it's been a bit of a blessing in disguise really for me to be able to rehab and come back and join in with the lads straight away which was good.
"I've still got a bit of catching up to do but I'm sure that by the time the games come around I will be ready.
"I had a programme and I kept in regular contact with them and when we initially came back I spent a few days with them just to make sure that everything was ok. They gave me the green light and I've returned to training now and I'm feeling good and so is the ankle!
The season resumes with a trip to Luton Town on Saturday 20th June and the midfielder knows that the whole squad will need to be ready when called upon with a busy schedule of fixtures ahead to complete the season.
"You can see the schedule now and it's coming thick and fast for the next month or so and so there will be plenty of opportunity and loads of game time. I think it's good for all the lads, it will be tough but I think we'll be ready.
"I think the most games we've ever had to do it five in a row, nine is going to be even tough and then hopefully if we get in the Play-Offs, then you've got another two or three on top of that.
"The squad is going to be massive and the rotation of the squad is going to be crucial but I think what they are doing now is preparing everyone to play, so everyone is coming back in good shape and ready for when the season starts again.
"I don't think there are many lads injured at the moment, because of the break everyone has come back fully fit and ready to play so I think the manager is going to have some dilemmas but it's a good thing to have when there are so many games coming up.
Watch the full interview with Tom on iFollow PNE now by clicking on the video at the top of the page.