Midfielder Tom Bayliss on course with rehab as he aims to make his mark at Preston North End

The 21-year-old damaged ankle ligaments in a bounce game earlier in the year and had surgery shortly before football was suspended.

Rehab without being able to see the physio in person is tricky, however Bayliss says his recovery is on track.

After a big-money move from Coventry last August, his North End career has yet to click into gear.

Bayliss has been limited to just four appearances in the cup competitions.

However, there were signs of him forcing his way into the matchday squad more often just before the injury.

Bayliss told the Lancashire Post: “I’m back running now, I’ve been able to put the footy boots on and have a run.

“I’m just ramping up the fitness side of it. When we get back I will be working with the physio closely for a week or so on turning and ball work.

“Obviously I’ve not been able to do that yet and the physio wants me to do that under supervision.

“Being injured and not being able to see the physio has been a bit weird.

“I’m progressing though, and I’ve been in regular contact with the physio and the gaffer.

“Once I’ve had time to work with the physio, hopefully I’ll be there or thereabouts.

“Recovering from injury through this has at times been frustrating.

“The other lads will have been able to go out to the park on their own and kick a ball about.

“In the last fortnight or so, I’ve been able to get out running and do 5k runs.”

There is never a good time to be injured but Bayliss got hurt shortly after appearing in the FA Cup against Norwich in January and with the chance of more involvement ahead.

Bayliss said: “I was just getting there I thought, I was understanding what the gaffer wanted from me.

“Being injured was one of those things, you get injuries in football and it is how you come back from them.

“I got tackled in a bounce game and the guy landed on my ankle – it wasn’t the greatest and obviously it was frustrating.

“I’m not sure exactly what they did in the operation, they did try and explain as I was coming round but I was still away with the fairies!

“Basically they put the ligament back together so it doesn’t have as much laxity in the ankle.

“When I was a young kid I had a few problems with my ankle, so getting this done will hopefully mean I don’t get any more problems. I’m feeling good now and looking forward to being back.”