WINGER Jack Roberts has taken another big step ahead of his long-awaited return to action after signing for his hometown club.

The former Welsh Colleges international has committed to Huws Gray Alliance side Conwy Borough and has set high sights on making a first appearance in two years in the new year.

Roberts tore his cruciate ligament playing for Rhyl in a friendly against Liverpool U23s, and following a frustrating few months, went under the knife earlier this year.

He braced for a first ever season in the JD Welsh Premier League after Lilywhites manager Niall McGuinness snapped him up a few short weeks before the injury, and he is currently undergoing strenuous rehabilitation in a bid to avoid similar complications when he returns.

Roberts, said: "I am well ahead of schedule in my rehabilitation and am able to sprint and complete circuits at 80 per cent intensity.

“It’s seven months since my operation and I am aiming to back on the pitch early in the new year. I am delighted to be back at Y Morfa and am looking forward to getting fully involved."

Tangerines manager Gareth Thomas added that Roberts will be working with club physio Colin Edwards on his fitness and expects the gifted forward to join Boro’s formidable front-line early next year.

He said: "We are delighted to have Jack back at the club. He has worked hard over the last month with physio Colin Edwards knows that he is welcome with us and that we will not rush him back onto the pitch.

“He has a tough few seasons with injury and it’s great to see him back involved with the lads."