Carlisle Close To Return

Watford Football Club has revealed that defender Clarke Carlisle has returned to full training.

The 27-year-old has been out of action for almost ten months, struggling to overcome a troublesome thigh problem first picked up at Queens Park Rangers last April.

However, the Preston born defender is now firmly on the comeback trial and setting his sights on a return to action before the end of the season.

"The rehabilitation is coming on very well - I'm back in full training with the lads," said a relieved Carlisle.

"I'll hopefully get a couple of games for the reserves and then I'll be ready.

I would like to get back as soon as possible, it's been such a long haul. I'm just desperate to get back into the side.

It's been unbelievably frustrating."

Carlisle has made 35 appearances for Watford since joining the Vicarage Road outfit from Leeds United on the eve of the 2005/06 campaign.