JAY Spearing is delighted to see Max Clayton back on the comeback trail.

Nearly a year on from his last competitive appearance for Wanderers, highly-rated young striker Clayton returned for the under-23s on Monday night, scoring from the penalty spot against his former club Crewe.

Phil Parkinson has said he will not rush the 22-year-old back into League One action but Spearing led the calls welcoming his return to the training ground as a big step forward.

“It’s great to have him back after his injuries of late,” he said.

“Max is a great lad to have around the place and you can see how much it means to him to be back out with us all.

“He’s a talented guy and when he’s back in the mix he’ll be an important player for us throughout the season.”

Clayton played an hour for David Lee’s development squad and celebrated with a tweet of his own.

“Great to get though 60 minutes last night for the time in 10 weeks! Feeling physically good! See you all soon,” he wrote.