A SIX-week period of complete physical rest has worked well for Olly Lancashire, who returned to light training with Swindon Town last week.

Lancashire, 29, appeared 42 times for Town last season – but made just three appearances since David Flitcroft departed in early March due to injuries.

An injection following the conclusion of Town’s failed League Two campaign prompted the club captain to come under orders of complete rest during the summer break.

And the former Rochdale defender believes he is benefitting from the time off, but at the same time admits he is behind schedule compared to his team-mates.

Lancashire told Town's official website: “I had an injection just after the season finished and I was under orders to have complete physical rest for six weeks.

“The lads have been doing their programmes in the off-season, so I’m a little bit behind them, but I’ve eased in and hopefully I’ll be back with the boys in the near future.”

Having spent his first two days back in full-time training at Southampton Solent University, Lancashire admits it was nice to roll the footballs out for the first time last Wednesday at the club's Beversbrook base in Calne.

Amid Town’s pre-season schedule, Gareth Southgate continues to guide England through the World Cup in Russia.

A last-16 match against Columbia tomorrow is next on their schedule, and Lancashire admits it’s easy to take inspiration from the national team.

He said: “Watching the World Cup, you are desperate to get back in, see the lads and get back to work after six weeks off.

“The first couple of days we were down at Southampton using their facilities and it was good to get some testing done to see where the boys are at.

“It gives the staff the data they need to go forward with over the next couple of weeks.

“It is always nice to get the footballs out early doors and the lads were really happy with that.

“There are certain ways to get fit and as players, we always prefer it to be involved with footballs, so it is great to be back out there and the lads were really excited just to play football again.

“We’ve missed it for the last six weeks.”