Dagenham & Redbridge midfielder Luke Howell says he is still yet to get back to full match fitness after a knee injury

Luke Howell is congratulated by his Dagenham & Redbridge teammates after scoring the second against North Ferriby United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

Early part of 29-year-old’s return to Daggers has been hampered by knee trouble

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Andre Boucaud of Dagenham & Redbridge and Connor Oliver of North Ferriby United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Andre Boucaud of Dagenham & Redbridge and Connor Oliver of North Ferriby United (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

Luke Howell admits there is still work from him to do to get back to full match fitness before he can truly challenge for a starting spot at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The midfielder’s return to Victoria Road has been blighted by a knee injury picked up during pre-season training.

It was an injury that ruled Howell out until the start of September and the ex-Gillingham trainee has since made three appearances from the bench.

His latest cameo appearance saw the former MK Dons come on in the 85th minute against Boreham Wood before scoring less than a minute later.

Matt Robinson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo) Matt Robinson of Dagenham & Redbridge (pic: David Simpson/TGS Photo)

In the early weeks of the season, the 29-year-old had to watch on from the sidelines, with Andre Boucaud and Matt Robinson forming a good partnership at the base of midfield.

Howell was full of praise for the duo on their excellent start to the season, but added that excellent performances across the pitch are why Daggers are currently top of the National League.

“Matt and Andre have been brilliant all season, but so has everyone else,” said Howell.

“Gutts (Luke Guttridge) was fantastic and then got injured. Corey Whitely took his place and has been brilliant, so we have a good squad.

“It takes everyone in the squad throughout the year to perform because we’re going to get suspensions and injuries.

“It’s important for me to get match fit, get as many minutes as I can and help out before I’m back starting.”

Howell’s natural position of central midfield looks to be one where Daggers have real quality this season.

In addition to Howell, Boucaud and Robinson, there is also Frankie Raymond, who has been filling in at left-back in recent weeks.

Fellow central midfielders Leo Donnellan are Tyrique Hyde are yet to make their Daggers debuts, while new signing Sam Ling can also play in that position.

Howell, though, knows it is important to have strength in depth, but notes there is a need for it in every position.

“It’s so important when you want to be challenging at the top like us, you have good reserves and good people to come in that are just as good as the ones playing,” he added.

“Whether those starting have a dip in form or there are injuries, the ones who come in are just as good.”