By Steve Canavan of the Bolton Evening News

MICHAEL Nelson has astounded doctors by announcing himself fit and ready to play football again.

The young central defender suffered a horrifying injury in an accidental collision with goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, breaking two ribs and sustaining serious lung damage.

He was taken to Bury General where he stayed for three days and had to have a chest drain inserted, to allow his lungs to expand properly.

Shocked

The medical experts told Nelson he would not get back on a football pitch for at least three months.

Yet just four weeks later he is ready to return to the fray and solve Bury's defensive problems.

"I'm feeling good again and I can touch my ribs and move them without feeling any pain," Nelson told the BEN.

"It was the worst injury I've ever had and I was quite shocked when they put a drain in my chest to help me breathe.

"The worst I've suffered before is just strains. This is the longest I've been out of action and I'm itching to return."

Nelson has been a revelation since joining Bury from non-league Bishop Auckland at the end of last season.

He played six games this term - winning the man of the match award four times - and was already attracting attention from other clubs.

The defender was injured during the home defeat against Wigan and cannot wait to get back in action and help the ailing Shakers.

Nelson will resume full training on Monday and, if all goes to plan, play for the reserves against Stoke in midweek, before joining the first team squad for the trip to Cambridge.

"It is frustrating watching from the sidelines and I want to play again," confirmed Nelson.

Gym work

"After coming out of hospital I went home to Newcastle for a couple of weeks and did nothing. I don't think it was a bad break of the ribs and the whole injury probably wasn't as bad as it sounded because I felt fine again after just a few days.

"I came back to Bury and I've been doing some gym work and running. I could start training with the other lads but I don't think I'll risk it until after the weekend. I should definitely be ready for Cambridge."

The news will be music to the ears of boss Andy Preece, who was amazed at the standard of Nelson's performances and has marked him down as a key figure in the Bury defence.