ACCRINGTON Stanley goal-keeper Kenny Arthur admits he can now see the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" as he makes his way back from a broken leg.

The former Partick Thistle stopper made his comeback for Stanley's reserves in midweek at Carlisle, as he stepped up his rehabilitation programme after a broken fibula in his right leg.

Arthur, 29, has been out of action since picking up the injury in the 3-0 win over Bradford at Valley Parade on October 2 after a clash with Bantams winger Omar Daley.

But the Scot played for 60 minutes for Stanley's second-string and told the Lancashire Telegraph he was delighted to be back in action after a frustrating time on the sidelines.

He said: "I'm a terrible watcher so I'm delighted to have taken the first step on the road back to full fitness.

"It's been a long period on the sidelines, but all the physios at the club have been fantastic and they've helped me to recover more quickly than the time period I was given.

"It's disappointing losing so much time but getting back so quickly is definitely a bonus."

He added: "I wasn't nervous before we played on Wednesday, I was just glad to be playing.

"I haven't done many training sessions, so to get through 60 minutes was pleasing.

"I'm not saying I'm 100 per cent but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

"I felt okay after the game. I didn't feel any stiffer than I normally do. I had to do a lot of kicking so I had a few aches and pains but nothing injury-related so I was very pleased."

That night at Valley Parade was a real bitter-sweet occasion for Stanley. Despite their biggest away win on their return to the Football League, both Ian Craney and Arthur were stretchered off.

And Arthur recalled the night, saying: "I knew I'd done it straight away. There was an incident about five minutes before which left me with the inprint of a set of studs on my knee which was pretty sore and I had a bit of treatment.

"But when the second injury happened, I knew instantly it was broken."

It's been a difficult, and sometimes frustrating road for Arthur, which included an intensive period at the Lilleshall centre of excellence.

He added: "I've never had a serious injury before in my career so I had nothing to compare it to.

"I just had to stay positive and try to eat the right things and do all the right things and remain positive that I'll be playing at a high standard soon.

"I'm a pretty positive person anyway so I was always trying to stay in a positive frame of mind.

"You have to be mentally strong but I've had the support of my fantastic girlfriend and my family.

"I've been really focused on getting fit and it's been nice to get back training with the lads.

"There's nothing you can do about the past, it's all behind me and I've just been looking forward.

"I know I've still got a little way but I'm improving my strength work and my sharpness.

"But I'm getting stronger all the time."