Captain Andy Procter knows he has to play in tomorrow’s final pre-season friendly at Stockport if he is to be in charge for the League Two opener at Northampton.
The Reds skipper jarred his knee in pre-season and hasn’t yet played any of the friendly matches.
"It has been so frustrating. I had a scan on Monday and it is just bruising behind the knee and they have told me I can now train.
"Yesterday was my first full day in training. It was hard as I had done all the difficult weeks of running and then, when the goals came out and the five-a-side games started, I had to miss out.
"But hopefully I will be back tomorrow. I have got to play at Stockport if I am to have any chance of making it for Northampton."
The 28-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Reds as he closes in on Paul Mullin’s record appearances and admitted: "I am pleased to sign a two year deal as it provides me with some security and gives the gaffer time to work with players.
"It should be another interesting season. As usual we have been written off but we have a good starting eleven and, if we can add a few more, I think we can do well.
"The gaffer has added quality in Danny Coid and Kevin McIntyre.
"I don’t think we will have as big a squad this season as we did carry quite a few last season but I have every confidence we will be challenging at the top end of the table."
Procter knows this league will be tougher than ever as they look to improve on last season’s fifth spot.
"It will be hard. The league is probably stronger than it was last year. Teams like Crawley who have come up have money, Shrewsbury have spent a bit and Gillingham and Northampton have invested heavily.
"But we surprised everyone last season and we want to do it again."
