Graham Westley has not ruled out a return this season for Harry Worley, although it could be in the play-offs should Stevenage earn a spot.

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.

He featured for 60 minutes in an U21 game this week.

Worley is still a way off contending for a first-team place, according to the manager.

“He’s not ready to feature to any great degree – he could maybe give me five, 10 minutes off the bench,” he said.

“It was a big injury and it’s a long journey back to fitness. It’s still early days; 60 minutes in a U21 game is very different form playing league football.

He added: “It’s good to see him stepping up his recovery and it’s nice to see him back out there, but he’s still six weeks away from starting a Football League game.”

Six weeks will take Stevenage past their final game of the season, away at Luton on May 2, into the play-offs.

His return could be sooner if he can forget the injury and play without fear of re-injuring his knee, insisted Westley.

“Difference players react differently psychologically to an injury,” he said. “Some are tentative, nervous and apprehensive while others leave it in the past. He’s taking it one day at a time.

“He’s not fluent in his football yet and still looks conscious of it and working within limits, which is sensible.

“How quickly he leaves the injury in the past will dictate how quickly he progresses.”