MATT Paine is hoping to return to Braintree Town first-team action in tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Weymouth.

It has been a frustrating season for the 26-year-old, after picking up an injury to his right knee in the campaign’s opener at Macclesfield Town.

However, he finally made a return for Braintree Town Reserves in their Thurlow Nunn League Cup clash at Hadleigh United on Tuesday.

Boss Alan Devonshire has said that assuming he suffers no reaction from then he will be included in the squad that heads to Weymouth.

Paine said: “It’s been very frustrating, but the knee is feeling good now.

“Initially, I was told there was only cartilage damage but the full MRI scan showed there had been a full rupture of the posterior ligament.

“I was at an all-time low after that, but I’ve been doing a lot of rehab and it’s gone well.

“I did a full training session and there were no flare-ups so hopefully I’ll be back on Saturday."