ANDY Procter is ready to make a long-awaited comeback from injury.

The Accrington Stanley midfielder has spent all season on the sidelines after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in the summer.

But after surgery, intensive treatment and rehabilitation at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Procter is desperate to force his way back into manager John Coleman's first team plans.

And he is determined to come back fitter than ever.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel," said the 23-year-old, who picked up the injury against Cardiff in a pre-season friendly last year.

"I've got a lot more confidence in my leg now after the treatment I've had off the physio after having the operation. I will come back stronger.

"The club has been good to me. They have been patient and stood by me, so it's up to me to give something back now.

"Being injured is the most frustrating thing ever, just sitting there and watching the games.

"For home games you have to get there at the same time as everyone else, but it's hard because you just don't feel a part of it.

"And it's worse after a game because all the lads are on a high if they've won. You just feel like a spare part."

But Procter is desperate for a return to action and reclaim his central midfield role alongside Ian Craney.

"Robbie Williams and Rommy Boco have done a job in midfield (since Anthony Barry left)," said the former Great Harwood player, who scored Stanley's first Conference goal in the 2-1 defeat at Aldershot in August 2003.

"I did well in the first season and came back to somewhere near my best last year.

"Now I have to prove myself all over again and prove my legs are up to it."