It wasn't in the circumstances he would have hoped - but Matty Stevens made his long awaited return to action on Boxing Day.

Making his first appearance in 268 days after sustaining an ACL injury in April, the 24-year-old came on as a second half substitute in the 1-0 defeat at MK Dons.

"It was a great feeling to be back out there," said Stevens. "It's what I've been waiting to do for eight and a half months.

"Losing the game took a little bit of the spoil off it, but it was a great feeling for me to be back out there."

Stevens received a huge cheer from the travelling Rovers faithful when he came on as a second half substitute - and chants of 'Matty Stevens, baby' soon followed.

"I've said it a million times but I appreciate the support from each and every fan," he said. "They've been massive for me and I just want to give back.

"I wanted to come on against MK Dons and score a goal for the fans, but it wasn't to be."

Now he's back, Stevens is hungry for more. A game against Burton Albion on Thursday night at The Bolt New Lawn represents another opportunity for the striker to get minutes into his legs.

"I'm looking forward to Thursday and I'm lucky that the games are coming thick and fast. Hopefully on Thursday I'll get on the pitch, get a goal and - most importantly - a win.

"We're confident, I'm confident, and that will only increase once I'm scoring goals."