DARLINGTON striker Amar Purewal has taken a significant step towards his return to first-team action after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2014.

Thirteen months after suffering the injury, since when he has suffered a number of setbacks, the forward this week took part in training for the first time.

Purewal sustained the injury on December 20, 2014 during a match against Radcliffe Borough, bringing to a sudden halt his season having scored 13 goals in 16 games.

Manager Martin Gray is not putting Purewal under any pressure to return to action soon, and says the player will go loan to a Northern League club when he is ready.

“We had a good session on Wednesday and now everyone is now fit and available apart from Amar,” said Gray.

“He joined in training but he’s not ready to play competitive games as yet. It was nice to get him involved in training, he did the full session which is a big plus.

“Striking that first ball, making that first challenge, it all helps him. Putting his body into positions that it hasn’t been for 12 months, and doing it without thinking, is good for him and the lads were delighted to see him out there.

“He came through the session really well.

“We will send him out on loan when we think he’s ready, but it won’t be for a while yet.

“We will be advised by the medical team, and the player, when he’s ready to play. It will take time.”

Darlington, meanwhile, on Saturday hope to play their first game in almost three weeks when they travel to South Yorkshire to play Frickley Athletic.

Quakers have already played there in the Doodson Sport Cup, winning 3-2 on December 1, when a weakened Quakers side was selected.

Gray said: “It’s a tough place to go to. Traditionally they were a big non-league club and they used to be in the Conference.

“We’re so looking forward to it, looking forward to getting back on the grass, hopefully.”

The Northern Echo: