Midfielder Andre Dozzell is hoping to be fit for the start of pre-season as he continues his rehabilitation from the torn cruciate knee ligament he suffered on the opening day of the 2017/18 season.
The 19-year-old had made a bright start to the first game of the campaign against Birmingham before suffering the injury when landing awkwardly just prior to half-time.
"Things are improving all the time,” the England U19 international told the club site.
"I’m outside doing some light ball work now and the plan is to be fit for the first day of pre-season.
"I’ve been itching to get out there from day one really so it was a very good feeling having a ball at my feet.
"We’ve also been doing some stuff on reactions, footwork and different movements, conscious and unconscious, and all of that should help when I get back out on the pitch.
"The physios have been brilliant with me and designed a personal programme which is always helping me move in the right direction.”
Reflecting on the timing of the injury, he added: "If ever there is a time to suffer a bad injury it’s probably right at the start of the season.
"That way you’re not missing part of one season and then part of the next.
"I’ve missed the whole campaign but that means that I’m now set to return for pre-season so you always have to look for the positives. I’m trying to get to where I felt I was in August, even better in fact.”
Once pre-season starts at the end of June, the former Copleston High School pupil will be out to impress the Blues' new manager.
St Mirren’s Jack Ross, who has now gone on holiday having spoken to Town for a second time last week, is vying with Shrewsbury’s Paul Hurst for the role.
Owner Marcus Evans said last month that he anticipated making the appointment in late May or early June with an announcement next week looking increasingly likely.
"There will be a new boss coming in at some point and I’ll be doing everything I can to impress during pre-season,” Dozzell added.
Meanwhile, former Blues midfielder Ed Upson has joined League One Bristol Rovers on a free transfer having left the MK Dons at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old scored Town's winning goal in the final of the 2005 FA Youth Cup while still a schoolboy.