A crunching tackle on Monday was just the tonic for fit-again midfielder Billy Bingham.

The 27-year-old is back in full training after five months out with a broken ankle.

He put those repaired bones to the test at Beechings Cross this week, giving him the confidence to now look ahead to a first-team return.

Bingham said: “I had my first 50/50 with one of the youth team boys (on Monday). It was sore for a little bit but then it was fine.”

Getting that first tackle out of the way was a crucial step in his rehabilitation, from a mental point of view.

He said: “All I have been thinking about since I came back (training) was getting the first challenge out of the way, then I would be alright.

“I am sure there will be a bigger ones but it was nice to get that one out of the way. Knowing that I am alright was a big hurdle mentally.

“I won the ball, there was no way I was going to lose that tackle, I went in 150%.

“Once I have done one or two challenges I am sure I won't even be thinking about it.”

Bingham is now hoping to see some action, with the club likely to arrange a behind closed doors game once Easter is out of the way.

“I am ready to play," he said.

"I need to get that first little in-house game or reserve game out of the way and then I am sure I will be alright.”

Read more in this week's Medway Messenger newspaper.