PLAYMAKER Chris Shephard is lining up a return to the Weymouth squad when they host Histon on Saturday, September 5.

The former Exeter City youngster, who suffered knee and ankle injuries in a freak accident involving a rope swing on his honeymoon in Bali over the summer, took to the pitch at the Bob Lucas Stadium while the Terras warmed up against Bideford on Tuesday night.

And while he admits his time out has been frustrating, the Terras’ star insisted it was a great feeling to know he is now close to making his long-awaited comeback.

“When I’m sat at home doing my rehab I miss things like the crowd and being part of the game, so it was nice to be back out on the pitch and having a kick-about.

“I’m just trying to be in my boots as much as I can, even if I’m just walking or jogging so that my ankle gets used to the ground.

“It’s getting there. It’s just my striding out now and on the plantarflexion side, that’s where it’s still sore. Once that’s better I can kick on, get my fitness up and then we will be laughing.

“I think we are aiming for September 5 to be part of a game. Obviously it has been quite a long time so I’m probably not going to get straight back in straight away.”

Speaking about what it will feel like to put on a Terras' shirt once again, he added: “It’s going to be brilliant. To be running and playing football is what I do. It’s my life and you realise how much you miss it when you are out. I can’t wait.”

Reflecting further on Weymouth’s dramatic late victory over the Robins, Shephard was full of praise for the faith the squad showed in their ability.

“It was a massive win and you could see it was coming,” he added.

“You could tell that all we had to do was be patient and we had the ability on the pitch.

“Teams are going to come here, play 4-5-1 and go at us on the counter.

“We just have to be patient with the ball, gaps will open and we have got the ability to attack those gaps.”