DAVID Norris last night confirmed that all he needs is match fitness before he can be considered for a return to the Ipswich Town first team.

Elvin King

DAVID Norris last night confirmed that all he needs is match fitness before he can be considered for a return to the Ipswich Town first team.

The midfielder played 60 minutes in a training ground friendly on Tuesday as he stepped up his recovery from a knee ligament injury sustained on the opening day of the season at Coventry.

The 28-year-old marked his comeback with a goal and said: “I can't wait to start playing again. I had a good run out and the knee felt fine. I've had no reaction at all so that's great news.

“I had a few aches and pains generally when I woke up this morning because it was my first proper game since August but everything is very positive and now it's about getting my match sharpness.

“Fitness wise I'm not too bad. I've done various tests in training and I'm showing up pretty much at the same levels as in pre-season but it's that match sharpness that you need and that only comes with training and playing games.

“I'm not that far away though and it's just down to the gaffer when he sees me as being available again but I'm desperate to be involved as soon as possible.”