Max Dean is champing at the bit to get back out on the pitch and spearhead MK Dons' push for promotion from League Two.
The 20-year-old striker netted nine times in 22 league outings before suffering a hamstring injury in late January, just as Mike Williamson's team were beginning to turn the screw on Mansfield, Stockport and Wrexham for the three automatic places.
But while the lay-off has been frustrating, Dean knows plenty about perseverance. His young career has already taken him through the academies of Everton and Leeds United before he jumped at the chance to play - and score - regularly at MK last season.