Brentford midfielder Alan Judge has returned to first team training in the past couple of weeks as he steps up his return from a double lower leg break that ruled him out of action for the past 18 months, and declared to the Bees’ official website that he was happy to be back in action.

The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a wonderful 2015/16 season, in which he scored 14 goals and assisted 11 more, before a horror tackle from Ipswich Town midfielder Luke Hyam condemned the talented playmaker to a year and a half on the sidelines.

Back in training and with an eye on a return to first team action, Judge has expressed his excitement about returning to the field at Griffin Park, and even has one eye on a place at next summer’s World Cup in Russia, should the Irish dispatch Denmark in Dublin on Tuesday evening.

“It is good to be back,” said the 2015/16 Players’ Player and Supporters Player of the Year.

“It’s been hard but it is enjoyable, I have been looking forward to it and I’m finally back out there.”

“People ask me if I’m excited to be back in training, and I tell them I will be excited when I play my first game.”

On a return to the national team, Judge said: “If we get to the World Cup, which is my hope, then I am aiming to be back around that Irish team in March.”

The Verdict

Judge’s resilience will delight Bees fans desperate to see the player back in action, with Judge playing phenomenally before his horror injury 18 months ago.

Many Bees fans will argue that their club would have challenged for the play offs last season had the Irish international been fully fit, with a team of Judge, Jota, Sergi Canos and Lasse Vibe sure to have devastated defences at this level.

Judge will come back into the Brentford team alongside two of the trio, with Jota having moved on, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and Florian Jozefzoon will challenge the returning man to improve his game.

His return to the first team will feel like a new signing for the Griffin Park side, and the player could be back in action in December if all goes to plan.

Brentford fans, just how much of a difference can Judge make to the team upon his return? Do you think he will come back the same player? Have your say below...