Great news as Chris McCann reports for training

Last updated : 07 March 2011 By Tony Scholes
It's been a long road for Chris since the initial injury sustained against Sunderland in September 2009. There have been two previous attempts at a return, in January last year and then in pre-season last summer.

But he's now had his knee repaired and after the worry with a head problem he returned to full training today. "It feels amazing to be back," he said. "I was very excited because it has been so long. I joined in a couple of the 12-minute games and my head is moving faster than my body at the moment.

"But it feels good to be back with the boys and have a kick around and even better to get out there, get serious and bury a goal past Beasty again.

"It will take me a while to get going again and I'll be building it up every day now and doing as much as I possibly can to try and get back. I'd like to get at least ten days under my belt before I can think about games, but hopefully I can get some action again before too long."

Manager Eddie Howe added: "We are absolutely delighted for Chris. It's been a long road for him, but he did well in training today and it's good to have him back. I've been there myself and that first day's training is always special because you just can't wait to get back on the green grass.

"He will be pleased tonight and a little bit stiff, but it's the first step on the road to recovery. He is obviously not back in a shirt yet, so that is obviously the next step. We will be patient with him and give him all the time he needs, but it's a positive step today."