Terry Dixon is stepping up his training with the reserves and targeting a playing return after working hard on his fitness in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international signed a three-year deal last month after an arduous six-month rehabilitation programme with the club's medical staff. Dixon had been released by Tottenham Hotspur back in March 2007, having suffered a knee injury, but is raring to prove he has what it takes to make it.
The striker has been working hard at Chadwell Heath and coach Alex Dyer said it was important to not put too much pressure on Dixon. "He has done well and it is great for his confidence to be back out there with the boys," he said. "It is nice to have him involved and we will see how he goes in the days to come."
Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is looking forward to seeing what the teenager can do - both in training and then in reserve-team action. "Everybody keeps talking about Terry Dixon but I have not seen him play yet," Zola said. "Hopefully soon he will be training with me so I will try to have an idea about him as a footballer.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him. They told me he was quite a talent and I'm really curious. This is a good opportunity for him. I think this club has been very good to him and I want to see how he takes the opportunity.
"A big satisfaction would be to see this guy have some success because he was ruled out from the game. They said he couldn't make it so if he does I will be very happy for him because he has been through hell. If he manages to be a successful player it will be good for him and for us as well."