ONE small step for Garry Thompson, but one giant leap for the hopes of Scunthorpe United.

That's the conclusion after the 30-year-old attacker, stricken by a groin injury throughout last season, took his first tentative steps towards reviving his playing career in Saturday's friendly at Halifax Town.

His appearance on the pitch, for the final 30 minutes, was the only thing to soothe an otherwise miserable afternoon for the Iron which saw them beaten 1-0 at The Shay.

"It was so good to be back," said Thompson. "After needing a third operation towards the end of last season, I did begin to wonder if it was ever going to pan out for me again.

"But I have worked hard during the summer with the club physio and Saturday was just one small step in the right direction for me.

"I felt sharp and there was no reaction.

"I went through stages last season where I was in agony after a game.

"I was trying to play through the injury when maybe I shouldn't have done, instead of standing back and saying I had a real problem.

"But the gaffer now has been brilliant with me. He is always asking me how I am.

"I came through an XI v XI practice game for an hour in training on Friday.

"There was no problem and that enabled me to play half an hour at Halifax.

"The surgeon gave me the all-clear about four weeks ago and I know now I am back on the right track again.

"I am getting stronger and stronger with every session and it is just about building time on the pitch again.

"I hope to get a bit longer at Gainsborough on Wednesday night – but being fit for the opening game of the season at Wycombe is the real aim.

"We still have four or five pre-season games left and I am not that far behind the rest of the lads in terms of time on the pitch. I am aiming to be ready for that first match."

Thompson is desperate to play a leading role for United again this season.

"When I have been out injured, I have felt like I have been letting the club down," he confessed.

"But anyone who knows me will know that when I have not been out there on the pitch, it has been for a good reason.

"I have a good rapport with the fans, they have treated me brilliantly while I have been here.

"I think it is now time for me to start repaying the faith that they have shown in me.

"I just want to get out there on the pitch, start scoring some goals and help this club get back into the Championship."

Thompson did get the ball into the net at Halifax, only to see it ruled out for a pushing offence.

"I was robbed," he said, with a smile on his face. "But physically I feel fine and psychologically it was a great lift for me to get back into action on Saturday."

Manager Knill knows they still have to tread carefully with Thompson's fitness, not pushing him too quickly and risking a reaction.

But he will desperately be hoping he can count on Thompson to add fire power to an attack that was conspicuously short of it last season – and looked so again at Halifax.