SWINDON Town club captain Dion Conroy wants to be back training on grass in April but has more or less ruled out a return to competitive action this season.

The 24-year-old is well underway with his rehabilitation following a long-term medial collateral ligament injury that he suffered back in September and has been using a special kind of treadmill to aid his gym work.

The AlterG machine is used by people who want to slowly increase the amount of body weight their body has to endure while making a return to walking or running.

And after reaching 60 per cent of his mass on Tuesday, Conroy revealed to the Adver that he is looking to reintegrate himself back into full training before the current season ends.

Not that the Redhill-born man will rush anything though – Conroy said there would be little or no point in a speedy return unless an injury crisis hit the club in the final few games.

He said: “There could be a chance that I’m back before the end of the season, but I think we’re looking at next season if I’m honest.

“Hopefully the boys get the season wrapped up a few games early, and if I’m still flying by then, then I might be able to make an appearance.

“But for me, I’m not thinking about that and I’m preparing myself for next season, hopefully in League One.

“I definitely want to be back training at some point in April, so that’s my big target before the end of the season.

“If I were to play one game, that doesn’t really change anything for me. Being able to train and get myself ready for the start of next season is the main aim.”

Since the last time the Adver spoke to Town’s club captain, Conroy has signed a new one-year deal to keep him at the County Ground until the summer of 2021.

The 24-year-old was extremely thankful to everyone who has sent him messages of congratulations and also praised chairman Lee Power and manager Richie Wellens for their support throughout the season.

Conroy said: “I’m delighted to have been offered a new contract because the club didn’t have to do that.

“The support they’ve shown me, especially Richie, has been amazing.

“And the fans have been very supportive too with all of the lovely messages from everyone after I signed.

“I’m very thankful to Lee Power as well for offering me the deal – I’m just hoping I can come back from this injury as fit and as strong as possible.

“Hopefully we’re in League One by then and we can get this club back to where it should be.”