NEWPORT County AFC defender Declan Drysdale is ahead of schedule on his return from knee surgery and is set to play a part in the run-in.

The 23-year-old, who arrived from Coventry City on a two-year deal last summer, is back in training and is working towards a return in the coming weeks for the Exiles, who host Bradford City tomorrow.

He went under the knife after an injury in the first half of the defeat in Carlisle on January 14, finishing the game on his ninth League Two start on the spin.

It was initially feared that Drysdale might not play again in 2022/23 but he is now poised to bolster Graham Coughlan’s defensive options for the run-in after forming and impressive partnership with Priestley Farquharson and Mickey Demetriou.

His injury led to James Clarke slotting in on his return from a knee injury while Wales Under-21s defender Matt Baker got the nod in the 1-1 draw at Grimsby on Tuesday.

South Wales Argus: County defender Declan DrysdaleCounty defender Declan Drysdale

“Declan trained with us on Thursday and that was brilliant for him having been out for a period of time,” said assistant manager Joe Dunne.

“It was modified training but he was back around the lads and in the environment.

“He is like a machine in the gym and his attitude to get back fit has been amazing, credit to the medical team as well for getting him back quickly.

“Matt Baker has shown his versatility in midfield and at centre-back while Clarkey is available, at the moment Dec just has to find his way back in. We won’t be rushing people and risking them breaking down again.”

Drysdale is closing in on a return – with next weekend’s fixture at Tranmere no doubt a target for the Merseysider – but County are still waiting to learn the full extent of Offrande Zanzala’s shoulder injury.

The striker suffered the blow against Sutton and won’t feature against Bradford at Rodney Parade after missing the trips to Salford and Grimsby.