McCombe 'desperate to return'

Bristol City defender Jamie McCombe hopes to take another step towards a first-team return against Salisbury City next week.

The centre-half has missed most of the season so far with a fractured cheekbone but played in a friendly this week and will get another run-out in the Combination encounter.

Boss Gary Johnson has previously confirmed McCombe will not be rushed but the player himself admits he is chomping at the bit.

"The cheek feels fine," McCombe told the club's website. "There will be little bits that can become sore, but I've had the all-clear from the surgeon and it should be fully healed with the metal plate.

"I've done plenty of running since I've been out, but I've missed out on the contact stuff and now it's just a matter of getting my match sharpness back.

"You can do as much running as you like, but it doesn't sharpen you up for games. Reserves game help and it's coming along every day.

"I've sat it out for seven weeks and now I'm desperate to get back in and play again."