LUKE SUMMERFIELD is delighted to be back for York City’s relegation dogfight after returning too late to help save former club Shrewsbury from the drop last season.

The 27-year-old midfielder will return to the Minstermen’s squad for today’s trip to Accrington Stanley after being sidelined with a thigh injury since the end of January.

He is now determined to help City stave off the threat of Conference football with nine games left to play having only been fit for the Shrews’ final five Sky Bet League One fixtures in 2013/14.

On his determination to avoid back-to-back relegations, Summerfield said: “I only got back for the final few games last season because I was injured from Christmas onwards and that was hard. It was a tough season but I feel this situation is a lot different.

“We know we can put together a little run now and we need to keep a positive frame of mind and look forward to each game knowing we have enough quality to get us up the table. We still have masses of belief - that has not changed since the first game of the season.

“We also know how much is at stake and that we are in a bad situation but we are confident we can get out of it.”

Summerfield also believes that his sensible approach to rehabilitation will mean he stays out of the treatment room until the season ends at Portsmouth in six weeks’ time.

He added: “It feels good to be back in the fold. It’s taken six weeks, which was a bit longer than we all thought, but it was something I couldn’t rush even though I was desperate to get back.

“The games have been tough to watch. I’m not a fan of sitting in stands and I’ve been a bit jittery but you have to be patient and head strong when you’re not fit.

“As a player, you know your own body, rather than people telling you when you will be fit. I’ve had a few injuries now and know when I need a bit of time or when I can rush back.

“I didn’t want to play a couple of games and then be out for longer but, now, I’m feeling positive and I’d like to think I can be involved at Accrington. I’ve trained and worked hard this week and have kept myself in shape while I’ve been out of the team.

“The mechanism of kicking is the most important thing in football and, because I’ve had a thigh injury, I left it until last week before doing that again but it felt good. Touch wood, it will be the last of my injuries this season now and I will be fit right up to May 2.”