SAINTS defender Florin Gardos was delighted after his injury comeback for Saints' under-21s on Monday night.

The Romanian centre-back, who has been out with a serious knee problem all season, played 71 minutes as the academy side defeated Norwich 3-2 through a late Josh Sims goal. 

The 27-year-old made 11 appearances for the Saints last season, after signing from Steaua Bucharest, but has been battling to get back to fitness since last summer. 

He has been keeping supporters in the loop with his progress through social media. 

And his latest Tweets reflected a very happy man.

He wrote: "The best 71 minutes of football in 2016. Thank you all for the wonderful support! #saintsfc."

Later he added: "Thank you all for the wonderful messages sent as mentions or DMs. Sorry for not replying, it's because there are a LOT. They all mean a lot."

The victory over Norwich at Staplewood saw James Ward-Prowse, from the penalty spot, and Sam Gallagher give Sants a 2-0 lead, before the visitors hit back and levelled.

Sims then fired home from a Matt Targett corner in stoppage time to make it four games unbeaten and atone for the 7-2 defeat to the young Canaries earlier this campaign. 

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