Gary Jones has delighted City supporters – and his family – by declaring: I’m back.

The talismanic midfielder came through a full-on training session yesterday with no ill effects from the back injury that has sidelined him for over a month.

Now he is pushing for a return to the squad to face Burton tomorrow as City chase their third win in a week.

Seeing Jones back in the ranks will come as a great boost for the players and supporters. But his long-suffering family will arguably be the happiest to wave goodbye to Mr Grumpy.

Jones, who has missed the last six games, said: “It’s very rare that I’m out like I have been and that’s the main frustration.

“It’s got to me not playing and I go home and shout at the missus and the kids. I think they’ve noticed I’m a bit happier now!

“I love playing football and that’s all I want to do. Getting back on the training pitch was like being a kid in a sweet shop.

“I’m confident kicking balls and tackling and hopefully I’ll find myself in the squad sooner rather than later.

“I just want to get back on the football pitch. The team have been doing really well and I’ve got to force my way back.”

Jones joined the rest of the team at Northampton and went through a fitness session on the pitch before the game. Although he did not make the bench, the 35-year-old loved being part of the set-up again.

“It was great being back in that environment because you miss the camaraderie and banter with the lads. But above all we got three points which made it even better.

“I enjoyed being there to support the lads but I’m the world’s worst at watching a football game. I kick and head every ball.