Notts County's Richard Butcher has been given the green light to step up his rehabilitation programme.

The midfielder, who celebrated his 28th birthday last week, is on course for a return to first-team action within the next month after being given the thumbs-up to start light jogging.

He has been on the treatment table since the end of November when he fractured a metatarsal in his left foot.

But with no setbacks suffered Notts' leading scorer this season is well on the way to returning to action during February.

He said: "I was delighted last week, on my birthday, to get the all-clear.

"I've not had any setbacks and I'm feeling really positive about everything.

"I have a target of starting full training in the next three weeks, so if I can achieve that I will be very happy.

"It has been a very tough time not being able to play football, but I know I'm closing in on being able to do that again.

"I've missed playing and training and I've worked as hard as possible to get back."