SEAN Hillier is closing in on a festive comeback for FC Clacton.

The former Colchester United youth-teamer has been sidelined since the first game of the season, when he suffered an ankle injury in the Seasiders' Ridgeons League curtain-raiser against Gorleston.

He then spent six weeks with his leg in a cast and now, four and a half months later, could be ready for a first-team comeback over Christmas.

Clacton boss David Coyle has indicated Hillier could be ready for his squad for the crunch Boxing Day derby at home to runaway leaders Tiptree United.

And the striker boosted his chances by getting 90 minutes under his belt during last Saturday's reserve-team defeat against Witham Town.

Hillier told the Gazette: "I was a bit apprehensive about playing at the weekend but decided to strap my ankle up and give it a go.

"For the first five or ten minutes I felt a bit edgy but after that I settled and, although things like fitness, touch and form haven't returned yet, it was great to play 90 minutes.

"I never expected that and anticipated lasting an hour at best, so to get through the whole match and not have any reaction was a real bonus."