Harry Worley played for Boro’s U21s against Reading this week

Harry Worley has edged towards a return to Stevenage’s first team after playing for an hour in an U21 game this week.

The defender, a summer signing following his release from Newport County, started the season as a first-choice centre-half for Boro but after playing in the club’s opening two matches ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in just the third match of the season at Southend United.

After seven months out, the 26-year-old played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Reading on Tuesday.

Afterwards, he told the club: “I managed to keep myself to a good standard of fitness, got a bit tired towards the end of the first half but when I came out again for the second half I felt fresh again so obviously the hard work is paying off.

“My knee felt strong. I am not even thinking about that anymore, just trying to push on with fitness now.”