KYLE Edwards is gradually inching closer to fitness as he undergoes individual sessions at Oxford United.

The 26-year-old winger is out of contract, but is with the U’s in order to continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

Edwards spent the first half of last season on loan at United from Ipswich Town, and made a blistering start to life at the club, netting twice in four appearances, before suffering a hamstring injury during training at the end of September.

He briefly returned for two games at the end of November, but a recurrence of the hamstring problem ruled him out again.

Edwards then signed a deal with the U’s until the end of the campaign in mid-January, after his contract at Ipswich was terminated by mutual consent, but he failed to feature again.

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United head coach Des Buckingham said: “He’s still working on his rehab. He’s without doubt one of the nicest human beings and happiest people I’ve ever met.

“He’s had so many setbacks, but the way he approaches things, the way he is around the group and the way he carries himself, I can’t speak highly enough.

“We’ll give him the chance to get back to the player we all know him to be.

“What timeframe that is, I’m not sure. I don’t want to put any pressure on trying to get him back.

“It’s about making sure when he does get back, he stays back. He’s out doing individual sessions on the grass, which is pleasing to see, and hopefully he’s not too far away from rejoining the group in some capacity.”