SAINTS winger Lee Holmes hopes to be back in action within a month, following a long injury lay-off.

The 21-year-old damaged the medial ligament in his right knee during the 4-1 loss at QPR in September.

Holmes, who joined the club on a free transfer from Derby in the summer, was confined to a leg brace for six weeks.

Earlier this month, he was given the all clear to step up his recovery.

Although not targeting a specific game, Holmes is pleased with how his comeback bid is developing and hopes to return in time to help Saints through the hectic Christmas schedule.

“It’s good, it’s coming on quite well really,” he said.

“I don’t really want to put an exact date on it yet, but the training’s gone really well.

“I’ve started doing all the mobility work now, so I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later that I’ll be back playing.

“I’m hoping that I can be back and ready for selection in about four or five weeks, that’s what I’m aiming for, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

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