STEVE Jones' second half run-out at Southampton on Saturday was, ironically, his first taste of first-team action since our home game against The Saints at the start of December.

The 33 year-old has been laid low with a niggling groin problem, but is now approaching full fitness again and determined to play his part between now and the end of the season. "It's been a very frustrating three months," he said. "I would go as far as to say that it has been the lowest point of my career as I have never been out for this long.

"All I want to do now is get out there and play. It was good to have a taste of action at St. Mary's on Saturday even though the final scoreline was bitterly diappointing. Now I just want to get my fitness levels up to speed and start pushing on the door for a starting place.

"I have worked extremely hard with the physio over the past few months and hopefully now I can put the injury behind me and start pushing on.

"I'll be playing for the reserves this evening as it's a case of the more games I can get the better, and we'll see how things stand for Saturday's home game against Millwall.

"It's time for me to start looking up rather than down now."

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This evening's reserve team game against West Bromwich Albion will take place here at Banks's Stadium (kick-off 7.00pm). Admission is free for 2009/10 season-ticket holders, £2 (adults) and £1 (concessions).