Tonbridge Angels midfielder Doug Loft on course to return from ruptured Achilles this season

Injured Tonbridge midfielder Doug Loft could return before the end of the season.

Loft was a key part of Jay Saunders’ plans after taking charge last summer.

But the former Gillingham captain ruptured his Achilles at the end of August and has been a big miss.

There were fears his season was over but Loft is determined to play some part.

“He’s still a little way off but he’s started running,” said Angels boss Saunders.

“He’s been a massive loss to us and part of the reason why we’ve conceded as many goals as we have.

“We’ve got good midfielders but what we probably lack is a real holding player like Lofty who sits in and breaks up play and his distribution is really good.

“He was a big part of my plans and he played really well in the first couple of games before he got injured.

“We aren’t going to rush him, he’s got to be comfortable.

“He’s been doing some work with Gary Hemens, the physio at Gillingham, who he knows well from his time there.

“It drives him mad when everyone writes him off.

“He’s a proper pro who’s been there and done it and he’s desperate to get back involved.

“I’ve told him don’t rush, make sure you’re right but if we get him before the end of the season, fantastic.”

Tonbridge lost 2-1 at Welling on Monday as the Wings completed a Christmas and New Year double, having won 1-0 at Longmead on Boxing Day.

Lewis Gard levelled after Taylor Maloney’s opener but Ade Azeez scored the winner on the stroke of half-time.

Defeat was harsh on Tonbridge, who are 10th in National South, six points off the play-offs.

They host Slough in their first home game of the new year this Saturday (3pm).

“I’m a bit gutted to come away with nothing from the two Welling games,” said Saunders.

“I don’t want to sound bitter - fair