RHYL midfielder Dave McIntyre took a giant step to making a return to the first team fold following a significant head injury.

The talented playmaker sustained a fractured skull during a game against his former club Gresford Athletic earlier on in the season, but after a three-month period of rehabilitation McIntyre took the field for the Lilywhites’ U19 side on Sunday as he gears up for a return to competitive action.

McIntyre was one of a number of high-profile arrivals to the Educate Resource Stadium this summer as director of football Eddie Maurice-Jones completely reshaped the squad with a view to pushing for the Huws Gray Alliance title this term.

The 28-year-old joined Gresford in September 2016 after a short spell at Cefn Druids. Prior to that he spent three seasons at Denbigh Town and his former clubs include Rhos Aelwyd, Ruthin Town, Castell Alyn Colts and Gretna.

Assistant manager Richard Williams-Cooke praised McIntyre following his return to the field, tweeting he was “made up” for the player and getting him back in the set-up will be “like having a new signing”.