Keith Sharman was back in full training with Crawley last night for the first time in over three months.

The crowd favourite has been badly missed by the Dr Martens League title challengers since he hobbled off against Aldershot in the FA Trophy at the end of September with knee and ankle problems.

He has since had surgery but has been given the all-clear to resume training and is hoping to return to the team in a couple of weeks.

"This has been a long time coming and I'm so eager to get back into the action because it has been frustrating watching our challenge falter from the stands," said Sharman.

"I am back in full training and hopefully next week will get a reserve team match under my belt. Then, touch wood, I'll be back in contention for the first team."

Sharman is acknowledged as one one of the best ball winners in the league and his energy has been badly missed by Crawley.

But Sharman knows it is too early to tell whether his ankle and knee can stand up to the test. He said: "They feel strong, but it won't be until I'm playing that we'll know whether they've properly healed."

Crawley are seven points behind leaders Margate.

Midfielder Luke Anderson, who has been missing for three weeks because of work commitments, returns to the fold for tomorrow's trip to Kings Lynn.