Kingsley's delight at return

Stephen Kingsley is focussing on making up for lost time after returning from injury in recent weeks.

The young defender had been out of action since September with an ankle problem, but made his first competitive appearance in the Under-21s' draw with Millwall last week.

And after coming through another 90 minutes on Monday in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Exeter, the former Falkirk man is delighted to be back in action.

"It's great to be back," he said. "It was disappointing to get injured in the first place, and it was one of those that took a while to recover from.

"You can suffer some setbacks with that kind of injury and it was a frustrating time, but I'm glad to be back and getting my match sharpness back again.

"Thankfully it's done now and hopefully the best is yet to come from this season."

Kingsley is one of a number of youngsters who have been training with Garry Monk's first-team squad, while both Jay Fulton and Adam King have made appearances this season.

With over 100 senior appearances to his name with former club Falkirk, the 20-year-old has now targeted a first-team bow with Swansea City between now and May.

"That's certainly my goal," he said. "I can't worry about it too much in the meantime, I just need to prove myself in training and in matches with the Under-21s.

"Hopefully it comes along, but it is great for Jay and Adam and that's what we're all aiming for. If it does come along then I'll try and grab it with both hands.

"There's a few lads who are currently in that in between stage at the moment. They have games with the Under-21s to maintain match sharpness, as well as training with the first team day in day out.

"But it's a privilege to train with such great players and it's even better for our development."

Meanwhile, the Under-21s remain top of Development League Two South following last week's draw with Millwall - and Kingsley is hoping that the squad can maintain the level of performances in recent months.

"The boys have been doing really well," he said. "It's great for them and their confidence, and hopefully we can keep it going between now and the end of the season.

"If I'm involved then that's great and hopefully I can help to play a part in keeping the run going."