Dale Stephens has got his mind set on impressing new Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton as he closes in on a return after nine months on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old midfielder hasn't played for the first team since April 25 last year because of angle ligament and nerve damage, but did briefly feature for the Seagulls' Under-21 outfit yesterday.
"It's great to be back on the pitch and to get 30 minutes as well," Stephens told the club website. "That was always the plan before the game so I was happy to get that under my belt and get through it.
"It's been nine months since I last played so it's been difficult time for me. I got up to speed a couple of times and been back training to a certain extent, but it's never been quite right and hopefully now I can make my comeback on time and on track.
"Things have obviously changed from last season, but things have come together with the new manager here and I just want to show him what I can do and get fit as soon as possible and play for the first team."
It is almost a year to the day since Brighton signed Stephens from fellow Championship side Charlton Athletic last January.
He went on to score twice in 14 appearances before getting injured.
Pascal Lemesre
