Cheltenham and Gloucester man-of-the-match winner Keith Parsons is back in light training.

The local hero, who played a major part in helping the Cidermen win their first silverware for 18 years, reported back to the Chesterfield Hospital in Bristol recently to see the surgeon who carried out the operation on his knee back in October.

Keith told me: "They were pleased with the way that things are going and they have taken my crutches away. I'm walking now and I can also go cycling and swimming, but it's going to be a slow process and I won't get back running until February.

"Everything is progressing quicker than they first thought, and I'm happy to report that I am back in light training and have been down to the gym tonight."

I'm sure that all Somerset supporters will be hoping that Keith is back to full fitness in time for the start of the 2002 season in April.

© SOMERSET