Fit-again Carlisle United midfielder Paul Thirlwell has spoken of his relief at his calf injury "saga" finally coming to an end.Thirlwell has returned to training and is ready to feature for the reserves on Wednesday after spending two-and-a-half months on the sidelines due to various set-backs with calf injuries.

He told the News and Star: "What I thought was simply going to be a couple of weeks out turned into a two-and-a-half month saga.

"It's been a real grind to say the least - but, touch wood, I'm now through the worst of it.

"If I get through Wednesday okay and then play a few reserve games, I'll be looking at the Christmas programme when we have loads of games and I hope I can play a part."

Speaking to the club's official website, physio Neil Dalton added: "Paul Thirlwell has had a good 10 days of training now, and he's ready and available to play in the reserve game at home to Blackpool this week."

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