Haven stalwart Scott McAvoy is back in training after a serious knee injury and is relishing leading his local club in League One next season.

The former Hensingham amateur missed a large chunk of last season but he’s feeling positive after signing on this week for the 2017 campaign.

And player-coach Carl Forster is delighted to have such an experienced player back in his squad.

“The club has been patient with me and to be part of a locally-based squad again next season is exciting,” said McAvoy. “Carl has stamped his authority even though it is a new venture for him and everyone is taking to him.

“There’s a lot of young, local lads, proven experience and a really positive vibe. If we can keep everyone together we’ll be up there at the end of the season.”

McAvoy underwent an operation after dislocating both his tibia and his fibula behind the knee but he’s up and running now – although he’s not quite ready for contact.

“It is a slow recovery,” he said. “It’s getting better and the operation was a success, they said it would be a six to nine-month recovery and I’ve had four now. It’s not 100 per cent but it is healing. I’m up on my feet now and working on strength and rehabilitation.”

And Forster is pleased with the progress McAvoy is making and says he had no doubts over keeping him on as captain.

“Scott is looking good, he’s not in full training but he is making big strides,” he said. “I’m more positive about him than I was a few weeks ago.

“I know it was a big operation so it will take him time to get back, I’ve got no issues with that. He’s back running but obviously contact will be a few months off yet.”

McAvoy’s loss was described as a “huge blow” last season by former coach James Coyle who praised his presence in the dressing room. Forster also appreciates how important he is to the squad.

“He will be the captain next season, he’s massively important,” he said. “All the lads have respect for him and he’s a senior member of the team. He’s also good crack with the lads.

“I had no doubts when I came in that I wanted him to do it as long as he wanted the responsibility. He offers us a lot of experience and he can’t half hit a short ball and go through a gap.

“He’s a workhorse but we’ll need to ease him back first with a few appearances off the bench. It’s just a plus having him in the team.”

The coach also revealed that Papua New Guinea stars Jessie-Joe Parker and Dion Aiye and Ireland international Dave Allen are expected back in training soon.

“We’ve got a couple of little injuries from last season but the Papua New Guinea boys should be back in a week or two and Dave Allen is back in December after his international break.”