ALEX Jones has slapped a ban on any injury talk as he plots to make up for lost time.

The City striker is flying high after coming through his first appearance for eight months in the opening friendly at Guiseley.

Jones played in the second-half team and supplied the cross for Reece Powell’s goal within a minute of coming on.

The low-key occasion at Nethermoor was a significant moment for a player who had been sidelined since November with an ankle injury that eventually needed season-ending surgery.

Jones said: “To get back out there finally after all the injury woes of last season felt great.

“I felt fit and felt good, which was the most important thing, and came through it perfectly fine. I’m really pleased.

“I’m just delighted to get 45 minutes under my belt and hopefully I can build on that in the next pre-season games and get my sharpness back to where it needs to be.

“The ankle felt great – and I’m not going to talk about it again! I’ve told my mum and dad not to ask me because it’s done, it’s over and now I’m looking forward.”

The 23-year-old scored five times last term, all in the cups, but his second season with City never really got going – and came to a sudden halt after making only his fourth league start at home to Plymouth. A month later he went under the knife.

Jones was grateful for the backing he got behind the scenes during his long stretch out of action.

He admitted: “It was mentally tough, really tough, and I can’t thank my family enough for their help and support.

“The club as well were great with me because it was such a hard time.

“Eight months is a long time in any walk of life, let alone being injured and not being able to play.

“That’s why I didn’t really have any time off in the summer. I trained right through the whole of the break because I’d missed so much of the season.

“It was important for me to come back as fit as the other lads. I wanted to be at their level from day one and not come in miles behind and having to play catch-up.

“It was always my aim to come back in good condition and thankfully I did so now hopefully I can kick on.”

Jones returns to a very different club with all the changes on and off the field at Valley Parade during his absence. But he is determined to force his way into Michael Collins’ plans.

He said: “It’s great to be back and personally I was pleased with the way the Guiseley game went.

“A lot of people have left the football club and quite a few have come in since I last played. But we’re all raring to go for a positive start to this season.”