Butcher on course for May return

Butcher has made a point of travelling with the Surrey squad

Surrey captain Mark Butcher is close to a return to county action after missing the start of the season with a long- term knee problem.

The former England batsmen is confident of meeting his comeback target of 6 May after having a silicone injection.

The 37-year-old told BBC London: "It's just getting better all the time.

"I had an injection in it last week and it's gradually starting to be able to take more in terms of endurance so I'm really happy with it."

There had been speculation about whether Butcher would make a full recovery and he admits he has gone through some dark moments when the prospects of a return looked a long way off.

"Last week, before I had the injection, I was a bit down because I just felt things might have gone backwards a little but as it happened there was no need to have worried," he said.

"I've had a big grin on my face for the last three or four days as it just really feels it's getting a lot better."

Butcher missed Surrey's County Championship opener against Gloucestershire but has travelled with the squad for the match against Derbyshire.

"I'll be able to join in with warm ups and fielding practice in the week and also be around for the young players and guys who haven't played much first class cricket or cricket for Surrey," he added.