Workington Reds captain Gari Rowntree says he’s thrilled that his six-month injury hell has come to an end after making his first team return on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old played for an hour against Aspatria before being replaced by youth team star Lamin Cham.

Prior to Tuesday, Rowntree hadn’t featured for the club since a 1-0 win against Matlock in April due to a knee injury.

He missed the back end of last season, including the play-off final defeat against Salford, the whole of pre-season and the start of the current campaign.

The skipper had been taking part in light warm-ups prior to first team games and will continue with his recovery programme.

Rowntree said: “I’m happy with my performance. It was just to test my knee and to see how it felt.

“Obviously Tuesday was the biggest test that I’ve given my knee and it’s good to have played my first game back.

“I will be trying to play a few more games to get fit and I just want to push on and get back to full fitness which is the main aim really.”

Reds are next in action on Saturday when they take on Whitby in the FA Trophy at the Turnbull Ground.

The sides met in the competition last season at Borough Park, but the North Yorkshire side won 3-0.

Rowntree is unsure what part he’ll play yet, but long-term Anthony Wright absentee is unlikely to figure.

The management team are also sweating on the fitness of Josh Calvert and James Earl with the squad due to train tonight.

Rowntree added: “It’s obviously frustrating all the time when you’re not playing.

“I’m going to try and play in a couple of reserve games and get back involved with the first team.

“I’ve got to do cycling and some light weights in the gym, but hopefully my knee will be okay.”