Lincoln City finally ended their unwanted record (Photo: LincSport)

Lincoln City fans might not have to wait much longer to see Matt Sparrow back in action after the midfielder was stretchered off during the Imps’ 1-1 draw with Altrincham in September.

Sparrow says that despite the ankle injury not being as bad as he first feared, he isn’t setting a date for a First Team return although he is hoping it’ll be sooner rather than later.

Sparrow's return is set to be earlier than first thought (Photo: Danyal Khan)
Sparrow’s return is set to be earlier than first thought (Photo: Danyal Khan)

He said: “It’s coming along a lot quicker than I thought. It’s just been over two weeks now. Initially I thought it’d be a couple of months I’d be out for. I’d like to think I’m half way there now so touch wood it’s all going to plan at the moment.”

“I thought I’d be lucky to get back for Christmas, but touch wood, it’s coming on leaps and bounds. It’s very stiff at the moment when I wake up but that’s all part and parcel of it.

“There’s a couple of cup games coming up, I want to try and feature in maybe one or two of them at the end of the month. I’ve ruled myself out for the next couple of games but hopefully I might get an appearance at the end of the month depending on how the results go and how my ankle feels.”

With Jon Nolan going out on loan to Wrexham, Bradley Wood has stepped into the Imps’ midfield in Sparrow’s absence.

“That’s what it’s about, it’s about competition for places. If you’re going to get in the play-offs or get promoted, you need a strong squad and if one player drops out, there’s always another person ready to come and shine,” Sparrow added.

“Nolan’s gone but Brad (Wood) has stepped in and no one is talking about Jon Nolan leaving any more. You’ve got Craig (Stanley) alongside him and you’ve got Alan (Power) who’s hit form as well with a couple of goals so it’s all good for the club and the fans.”