Ryan Dickson will start his first match for more than two months against Swindon Town this afternoon.

Dickson has endured a difficult time in his quest to battle back from a mystery virus, but he has finally put all of those health problems behind him.

The ex-Southampton defender will replace Luke Garbutt at left-back against the Robins – Everton loanee Garbutt will serve a one-match suspension for accruing five bookings.

“It’s been a long while getting back, and it’s dragged on a little longer than I would have hoped,” admitted Dickson.

“But I’m really glad to be back.

“Hopefully things are improving and I’m looking forward to this weekend.

“The problem was basically fatigue from the virus. I originally thought it would be just a few days, but that dragged to a couple of weeks and then went on and on.

“That’s life and you have to move on.

“But I think the team have done really well to keep things going, with all the injuries. “They’ve kept the work-rate up and kept progressing,” added Dickson.

The former Plymouth and Brentford 26-year-old, recruited from Southampton over the summer, enjoyed an impressive start to the season in a settled back four, alongside Magnus Okuonghae, Tom Eastman and Brian Wilson.

He started seven of the first eight games, but only lasted 20 minutes of his last start, a 2-0 away defeat to Coventry City on September 8, due to the effects of the virus. That was a long 69 days ago.

However, he was introduced as a substitute for the start of the second half against Sheffield United last weekend, and will now be hoping to build on that 45 minutes with a full game today.

“Fingers crossed, I will be involved this weekend,” continued Dickson.

“I’ve accepted the illness, and come back by relaxing a little, rather than trying to fight it. As a footballer, you get mentally stronger to deal with injuries and illness, the more experience you get.

“A proper rest has helped me to get back.”