Mark Little admits he's delighted to be back in action again after four months out following knee surgery - but is continuing to take his recovery one step at a time.

A torn cartilage brought an untimely interruption to Mark's season during his second loan spell with Northampton but he returned to action in Tuesday's behind-closed-doors development friendly with Derby.

Mark came off the bench earlier than expected after Matt Hill suffered an injury after 21 minutes, and was himself then taken off as a precaution ten minutes from time.

"I got on sooner than expected after Hilly got injured - I was supposed to be playing the second half," says Mark.

"I stayed on for about 60 minutes in the end and probably could have got longer but it was decided I should come off as a precaution.

"I enjoyed it and the knee felt good although my lungs were on fire! It's been a long time since I played.

"I'd done a week's full training before the game and I just need to build up my match fitness now."

Mark will continue to make steady progress with his rehabilitation and at that stage isn't thinking about when he may be challenging for a place in the first team squad or indeed a possible loan.

"The injury has been a big setback for me but it's over now and I just have to push on," he added.

"They said 12 weeks after the operation and it's been 14 but I'm delighted to be back.

"We're still playing it by ear in terms of whether there's any reaction and will keep an eye on it but it's all good so far.

"I just need to build up that fitness and get 90 minutes under my belt.

"I wouldn't say I'm back to normal yet - it was just the next step on my recovery.

"I just need to get back playing football and can't really think about what might happen when I is in terms of being in the squad or going out on loan.

"It's just nice to be back with the boys again and we'll have to wait and see."

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