CLUB skipper Cliff Byrne could be back in action for Scunthorpe United sooner than expected.

After six months of frustration with a trapped nerve in his back – and surgery just after the end of last season – the 29-year-old is now back in light training.

The surgeon originally predicted it would be September before Byrne was ready for action again.

"We were told Cliff would miss all the pre-season work," said manager Alan Knill.

"But he has been able to do some light running this week.

"We are delighted with the progress he is making.

"You can see the delight on his face just because he is involved again.

"We were told Cliff would not be ready to play until September.

"But we are hopeful now that it might be sooner than that."

Byrne suffered the injury in early January while lifting his baby son out of the car.

What was originally thought to be a minor problem proved difficult to cure.

Several injections did not work and finally the player went under the surgeon's knife in May to free the nerve.

So far, he has been unable to train properly since Knill and his new management team arrived at Glanford Park from Bury at the start of April.