FIT-AGAIN Corry Evans is desperate to get his stop-start Blackburn Rovers career off the ground – and play his part in the club’s push for the play-offs.

The box-to-box midfielder has made just eight appearances for Rovers since signing from Hull City in the summer. After missing the first two matches of the season with a groin injury Evans quickly established himself as a key member of Gary Bowyer’s new-look team.

But just as he was a hitting top form the 23-year-old sustained ankle-ligament damage while playing for Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier in Israel on October 15.

Evans had pinned his hopes on being back by the start of the year.

But a series of setbacks means it is only now, after four frustrating months on the sidelines, that he is ready to return to boss Bowyer’s starting line-up.

Evans, an unused substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough, cannot wait to pull on the blue-and-white halved shirt again.

And, with a third of the campaign still to play, he is determined to help Rovers gatecrash the top six.

Evans said: “It was good travelling with the lads on Saturday and it was really nice to be amongst it all and be in the changing room again.

“I just can’t wait to get on and make an appearance now.

“Even though I’ve been here all season I haven’t played much so I’m just looking to get back in there and help the team push on up the table.

“It took me a few games to get into it at the start of the season because I came with an injury so hopefully I can get back to how I was playing and help the team.

“We’re in touching distance of the play-offs and as long as we’re there or thereabouts come the last few games of the season, hopefully we can make a push and get in there.”

Evans made his competitive comeback on Monday when he played 62 minutes of the U21s Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur at Leigh Sports Village.

The former Manchester United will get another chance to shake off the ring rust in this Monday’s U21s game against Aston Villa at Villa Park (7pm).

If Evans comes through unscathed he could come into contention for place in the Rovers side for their big Championship clash at Reading on Saturday week.

Evans said: “I’m just glad to be back now and having played my first game.

“It was 60 minutes and it was much needed in terms of fitness and getting up to speed of match play again, which is something you need before you get ready for the first team.

“I’ll train the rest of the week and be involved in another reserves game against Aston Villa.

“Then it is just a case of being back in the squad and getting in the first team if I get a chance.”