SAM Long has made a welcome return to full training 12 weeks after being stretchered off at Hillsborough.

The 20-year-old damaged ankle ligaments after catching studs in the turf at Sheffield Wednesday in August.

It was a worrying sight at the time, but after a successful recovery Long is philosophical about the injury and is now available when required.

He said: “There’s not much you can do when your studs get caught in the ground.

“It was probably easier to get my head around it, because I knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault.

“I went in for a tackle and fate took its course, I was just thankful it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

“I’ll be ready when I’m called upon, as soon as possible in my eyes, (although) I know in myself I need a bit of match fitness.

“After being out for 12 weeks that’s what you need, but if the gaffer calls me up I’ll be ready and do everything I can to help the team out.

“I’m really happy to be back as soon as I am and I’m raring to go.”