JUBILANT Adnan Ahmed has made a successful return to action and set sights on becoming a promotion winner with Town.
The midfielder - out all season with a knee injury - came through last night's 1-0 friendly win against Silsden at Cougar Park unscathed in a massive boost for himself and the club.
Central defender Martin McIntosh, however, had to cut short his comeback as a precaution and was today being assessed by physio Lee Martin.
McIntosh - who had knee surgery in August - insists he is okay but lasted only 56 minutes and finished sitting on the bench with ice applied to the outside of his left knee.
Ahmed impressed, though, in the 1-0 win (James Hand scored) and said: "I'm delighted. It's a big relief.
"The last three months have been so frustrating, but this is the first time I've played without any niggle or pain at all and that's great.
"I'm feeling properly fit for the first time, so I'm looking on the bright side now and aiming to play a big part in the rest of the season.
"The lads have made an unbelievable start, the sort you dream of, and hopefully we can follow it through, starting against Bradford on Saturday."
Ahmed will not be in the squad, but manager Peter Jackson said: "I was very, very happy with Adnan last night.
"He got his tackles in, worked hard and looked almost back to where he was last season.
"It's a bit of a concern about Tosh, but he's had ice on the problem and we'll have to assess him in the next 24 hours.
"He just twisted and felt a bit of a twinge, which you are bound to do with an injury like his, and he came off as a precaution.
"He's feeling okay, though, which is a good sign, so we're hopeful he'll be all right and both him and Adnan can play against AFC Emley at the Welfare Ground next Tuesday night."
Coach Martyn Booty played last night, as did physio Martin as a substitute because the Juniors were in FA Youth Cup first round action against Burscough at the Galpharm, where a crowd of 351 saw a 3-0 win.
Two schoolboys, Craig Thompson and Holme Valley based Shane Killock, of Ossett Albion, were also involved in the Reserves.
"It was a good workout, Silsden welcomed us well and I was pleased with Craig, who is only 15, and with Shane (16) who came on and did really well."
An extended loan for Junior Mendes was expected to be completed with Northampton today.
