Jon Stead to feature in Notts County reserve games in bid to improve fitness

John Sheridan has welcomed Jon Stead's return to action for Notts County and is eager to get his match fitness back up by playing him in reserve games.

The 33-year-old, whose absence has been sorely missed by the Magpies, came on as a substitute in the last 20 minutes of the 2-2 FA Cup draw against Peterborough United.

Sheridan said he wasn't happy about bringing Stead on so early after his recovery but confirmed that the striker will play a reserve game against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

"Ideally I wouldn't have wanted to use him so early," he told the Nottingham Post.

"He's not played much football. He's been out a while.

"He's trained for 10 days now. He's short on match practice.

"We've got a couple of reserve games coming up and he'll be involved in them.

"It's good to have him back. He's experienced and his presence gives the players a lift."

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