Jase back to help the Boro cause

MARCUS CRAWLEY reports

STEVENAGE Boro skipper Jason Goodliffe is ready to play his part in the club's promotion play-off push.

Goodliffe is back training with the first team squad as he nears complete recovery following his cartilage operation after Christmas.

The central defender said: "I'm quite optimistic that things are on the right track. My knee feels fine and I'm back training full time now."

Boro have used a number of players at centre-back this season, with Rob Quinn - captain in Goodliffe's absence - filling in regularly.

Goodliffe continued: "Rob has done a great job captaining the side. He has been playing particularly well at centre-half as well."

Goodliffe was on the bench for Saturday's win over Morecambe.

"I was hoping for a reserve game this week but I may be involved in the next couple of games."

Their victory moved Boro up to third following their success the week before at home to Aldershot.

"It's typical of us," admitted Goodliffe. "Two wins have put us on the up but we've got to sustain it now.

"We've ground out the last two results rather than playing fantastically well but wins are what matter now."

Boro boss Graham Westley is also aware the hard work is just starting.

"We have to keep winning, it's as simple as that," said Westley.

"We've all the work to do and ahead of us. It's certainly not 'job done' as the teams below us have games in hand."

Boro visit Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday and host Canvey Island on Tuesday night.

Both fixtures were disastrous for Westley's men last season but the manager said this will have no bearing on the current campaign.

"I don't ever really look backwards - it doesn't do you any good," he added.

Darryn Stamp - suspended for the Dagenham game anyway - Saturday's matchwinner Jon Nurse, man of the match Mickey Warner, Adam Miller and Dino Maamria were all missing training at the start of this week due to knocks.