STEPHEN Roberts has stepped up his rehabilitation following a back operation.

Roberts' debut season with The Saddlers was cut short in December as the Welsh International suffered a number of niggling injuries that was later diagnosed as a problem with his lower back.

The 29 year-old underwent a microdiscectomy three weeks ago to decompress a troublesome nerve within one of his spinal discs. The minor operation was a success and now, under the guidance of physio Jon Whitney, the defender has stepped up his work in a bid to be fit for The Saddlers' pre-season training programme.

"Stephen's rehab is going well," explained Whitney. "After the surgery he rested up for a fortnight before starting his rehabilitation course last week.

"We have been working on his core strength and fitness and he has responded well.

"We've been doing a number of one-on-one sessions and, under my guidance, he has been undertaking an all over conditioning programme.

"We are building up to running and we're aiming for Stephen to return to full training with the rest of the lads at some point during our pre-season schedule.

"He is spending this week at Lilleshall undertaking intense sessions to work on his core stability and fitness.

"He is making good progress."