STOURPORT Swifts have been boosted by the news that skipper John Newall is finally on the road to recovery after a 15-month injury lay-off.

Newall has resumed light training with the Walshes Meadow squad and could be back in contention for first team action in four week's time.

The Swifts skipper suffered the serious cruciate ligament injury in an FA Cup tie against Rugby at the back end of 2003.

Boss Dave Titterton said it was great to see the centre half return to training, but stressed that Newall would not be rushed back.

"He's been out for 15 months so we're delighted to have him joining in with us again," he said.

"We won't see him back in the first team for about a month because we've got to work on his fitness.

"He's a massive player for us, he sweeps up, his distribution is good and he's got that bit of pace to get himself out of trouble.

"He's got a good football brain and he's the type of player that can't be replaced easily."

Swifts will be without centre half Jay Powell for up to six weeks after he damaged his ribs in the recent clash with Yate.

They travel to Middlesex to take on Ashford Town in Southern League division one west on Saturday.

"We need to start winning if we're to have an outside chance of making the play-offs," added Titterton. "Draws aren't good enough."