AFTER his return to training, Harry Brockbank admits he cannot wait to get back helping Wanderers on the pitch.

A torn thigh muscle has kept the Whites defender out of action since the start of September but Brockbank says he is itching to play some part in the first team in the always-crammed festive schedule.

Though this afternoon’s visit of Southend will come too early for him to be involved, Brockbank – who came through the Eddie Davies Academy and broke into the first team at the end of last season – is aiming to be in Keith Hill’s mind when Shrewsbury visit Bolton a week tomorrow.

“I’m getting close to returning, I’ve been back out on the grass this week, I’m back running at 100 per cent and hopefully I’ll be back training with the team as soon as possible,” he told The Bolton News. “I don’t think I’ll be in contention for the weekend but hopefully next week I can be involved in the games.

“It’s been a long process, just being in the gym and things like that. You do try to mix it up by swimming or rowing or getting on the bike but there’s nothing like playing football. I can’t wait.

“Every week you’re not with the lads in the dressing room or on the training pitch you really feel like you’re missing out. It isn’t the same being sat in the stands on a Saturday but hopefully in the next week or so I can get back playing. You don’t fully appreciate playing football until you’re missing out on it.

“And I’m not a good watcher, I’m sat on the edge of my seat all the time when I’m not playing. And when we’re losing there’s nothing more frustrating than being sat on the side because there’s nothing you can do to affect it.”

Still only aged 21, Brockbank has already captained his club, during the early days of this season. And, while plenty of revellers will be enjoying their new-year celebrations, he is happy his celebration will be an altogether more low-key evening.

“It’s the best job in the world so I can’t really complain about the one time of the year when everyone else gets to go out and you don’t,” he said. “And I don’t think we’ll be missing out on anything really, it’s not the end of the world when you can’t go out and have a beer with your mates because you’ve got games coming thick and fast.

“You just need to rest and keep playing. And I can’t wait to get going again.”