Defender George Pratt has signed a new one-year contract with the club, with the option of an extra 12 months, as he sets his sights on a long-awaited return from injury.

The 20-year-old centre-back has been sidelined since last summer, having broken his tibia, which required surgery, before sustaining a recurring stress fracture of his heel.

However, Pratt hopes his long road to recovery is almost over, as he targets a return to action over the coming months.

The Academy graduate, who has been with the club for five years, said: “I’m just grateful, having had 12 months out, to be given another opportunity to get back fit and show what I can do.

“Mentally, the past year has been very, very tough, but all the staff and the players have helped me through it. The little things that they ask you every day just keep you going.

“My rehab work that I do every single day in the gym has become more of a lifestyle for me now. Even when I’m outside of the club, I’ve got to make sure that I’m doing everything right to get back fit.

“I’m raring to go. It’s something I dream about every day, wanting to get back on the pitch again. You realise how privileged you are to stay fit and to play football, so I just want to get back as soon as I can with the boys.”

Pratt targets playing return