WORCESTER City wing man Nick Colley is confident of a return to first-team action within the next few weeks following his successful knee operation.

Colley, 30, underwent a cartilage operation at Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield a fortnight ago after suffering cruciate ligament and meniscus damage to his left knee during the Nationwide North win at Droylsden on November 13.

It was first feared the ex-Tamworth winger would be out until the end of January and miss the FA Trophy third round clash at holders Hednesford United.

But Colley completed his first training session since surgery at St George's Lane last night and he now believes an early January return is not out of the question.

He said: "I was actually hoping to play on Boxing Day until (physio) Archie Richards found a little bit more cartilage damage. The knee is getting stronger and I'm going back to the hospital today for another report on it.

"Supporters are always asking me when I'm going to be back and that's really nice and encouraging. Hopefully, I'll be playing again in early January. I'm grateful the injury was not as bad as it could have been considering the angle my leg twisted.

"I'm terrible when it comes to missing games, I get really frustrated. When the call came to say the Lancaster game had been called off, I was delighted because it means I can now play in the re-arranged game."