On- loan Hatters striker Hatch is just three short of 50 career goals

On-loan Luton Town striker Liam Hatch is relieved to be back in first-team action, after recovering from his pre-season ankle problem.

Hatch made his delayed Hatters debut when he came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 home league win against Barrow.

"I don't think any footballer likes being inside and stuck in the gym," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"It's great to be out there and great to come back into a winning side."

Saturday's victory lifted Luton back up to second in the table, seven points drift of runaway leaders Oxford.

And Kent-born Hatch, who is on a season-long loan from Championship side Peterborough United, now has the chance to play his part in the Hatters' promotion push.

But the 27-year-old admits he had actually reconciled himself to being out longer.

After having keyhole surgery when some bone fragments were found in his ankle, it was thought he would be sidelined for up to 12 weeks - but he has proved a quick healer.

"When they talk about four to 12 weeks, you sit there and look back, and think not again.

I've had no reaction from the injury, so it's been good Luton Town striker Liam Hatch

"I've missed four weeks. It's a quick recovery and now it's all right.

"As soon as I could get outside, and felt I could run, I wanted to be back involved.

"Luckily the physiotherapists let me come back in and it's been all right. I've had no reaction from it, so it's been good."

Hatch, who started his career in non-league with Gravesend and Northfleet, moved on in July 2003 to Barnet, with whim he spent four and a half seasons.

He then made a £150,000 move to Peterborough in January 2008, but has made just one league start under Darren Ferguson and spent last season out on loan with League Two Darlington.

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