By Henry Green
Jodi Jones is said to be ‘itching’ to return to action as he gets back on the grass ahead of his proposed return to first team football in the New Year.
Jones suffered a small fracture to his tibia bone during a 1-0 home loss to Gillingham in September, following a challenge which led both Jones and head coach Stuart Maynard to call for more protection for players from officials.
The Magpies visit Peterborough tomorrow (November 30) in a 3pm kick off in the FA Cup second round.
During the pre-match press conference today (November 29), head coach Stuart Maynard said: “He [Jones] is back on the grass running and he’s come through it all with good health.
“It’s exciting to see him back out there and it makes us smile every day to see him back out on the grass,” he added.
Maynard joked that he was “banned” from kicking the ball and that he had to be “tamed.”
“Him [Jones] being about the place gives everyone a lift and I’m delighted for him as well because he was having such a good start to the season, and it was a bit frustrating for him but he’s in a really good place now,” he said.
County midfielders Curtis Edwards and midfielder Conor Grant are also progressing well, with the latter also getting back on the grass.
Scott Robertson is also training again and is “very close” to returning, with Dan Crowley “not a million miles away”.
Maynard also spoke of the team’s hope to make it to the third round of the FA Cup, with both sides competing for potential matchups against Premier League opposition.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play against that big club at home, that’s what the cup’s about and that’s why it’s one of the best cups in the world,” he said.
“We’re going into a very tough game away at Peterborough and we believe that in the cup we have a chance, and we want to make sure we are in the hat on Monday.”
“We’re expecting a very tough game, they’re a very tough team who are good in possession and have lots of different attributes that can hurt you,” he added.
Notts County have already played Peterborough twice on the same day in pre-season, but Maynard has said the teams are “both in completely different places”.
County will also return to league action next Tuesday (December 3) as they visit Walsall and look to get their first league win in three games.
