Baines happy with progress

Everton defender on the mend after surgery

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 29th May 2008

Baines Leighton

Baines: Recovering well

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Leighton Baines is looking forward to playing a major role for Everton next season after undergoing ankle surgery.

Baines moved to Goodison Park from Wigan last summer but endured a frustrating season due to injuries.

He still managed to make 22 appearances for David Moyes' side before being sent under the knife at the end of the season.

"I'm a couple of weeks down the line since the surgery so I'm just coming in and starting my rehab," the defender told Sky Sports News.

Progress

"I'm getting the movement back in my ankle and hopefully over the next couple of weeks I can progress a little bit further.

"It's something that has been hampering me for a while. Even though I was available for a lot of games it was still causing me a bit of trouble so it is nice to get it done and hopefully get back fully fit."

Baines accepts that competition for places will continue to be fierce next season but he feels he can challenge for a regular spot at the back.

He said: "I played probably more games than people might think, but it would be nice to hopefully get back fully fit and be considered more often."