RETURNING Poole Town midfielder Jamie Gleeson is set to gain valuable minutes with the under-21s in a bid to boost his match fitness.

Manager Tom Killick handed the 31-year-old his first Dolphins appearance since September in the latter stages of Tuesday’s 2-0 Southern League Premier Division victory over county rivals Weymouth.

It was a landmark for the ex-Dorchester star in his battle to recover from the niggling chest problem which has blighted his first season at Tatnam.

Gleeson continues to be assessed under the watchful eye of Cherries physio Steve Hard as well as the specialist who has given him the green light to play in the hope that no adverse reaction will occur.

But Killick is keen to ease back his summer recruit after so long on the sidelines.

“Glees is feeling okay at the moment but now needs to build up his match fitness,” said Killick.

“He is okay to play a cameo role but will probably take part in some under-21 games before he comes into contention for starts.

“It is too much to expect him to start but he is a very good option to bring on in the latter stages of games, particularly if you’re trying to see out a result. We plan to use him sparingly.”