ANDY Procter is hoping he is on the pitch to help Stanley lift the Conference trophy on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has had a torrid season with the Reds after suffering a knee injury in August and the Blackburn-born player needed an operation which kept him sidelined for most of the season. He was unable to play a part in Stanley's promotion win but returned to the first team last Monday against Scarborough.

"I loved every minute of it," said the former Great Harwood player, who has another year left on his contract. "It was just great to be back. I felt okay - except the lungs!

"It did feel a bit false on the coach celebrating on Saturday but all the lads have been great with me and made me feel very much apart of it.

"And it was just great to be back and now I can work on my fitness and try and win my place back for next season.

"It has been such a frustrating time - the worst ever - it is the old cliches of feeling sidelined but hopefully now the hard work has paid off.

"At least I got my first win bonus of the year with the victory over Scarborough!"