Paul has represented England at under-19 level

Leeds Carnegie number eight Danny Paul has targeted a return to first-team action by early March.

The Kippax-born 23-year-old has been out since September after undergoing shoulder surgery.

"It's been frustrating. I had one operation that didn't go too well, so I've just had another operation," Paul told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I hope to be back late February or early March but I just have to see how the next couple of weeks of rehab go."

Paul added: "After the first operation I was in a lot of pain and had what they call a frozen shoulder where I couldn't move the arm at all. So the second operation was needed to break it all down again.

"So I'm back in training at last now. But there's no contact at the moment or lifting over my head. So it's just ball and fitness work now, but it's just good to be back on the pitch.

"I'm feeling good but it's getting that match fitness up now. I've did some on the field running this week and it's unbelievable now different and much hard that is to running on the treadmill."

Paul was used at the start of the season as an impact substitute, but his form had seen him earn a starting place for trip to Northampton Saint in September, before it was discovered just how bad his shoulder injury was.

"It is very frustrating because I'd had one shoulder op in the summer and I'd just got myself fit from that. I worked hard and got myself in a good position," he said.

"My target this season was to impress and make myself the starting number eight. I'd got myself into it and was going to start at Northampton. Now I have to start all over again.

"I have a bigger point to prove than ever now because I feel I have to repay the faith the club have shown in me by sticking by me during this injury and the medical team doing such a good job with me."

When he does return Paul will have to fight it out with Alfie To'oala and Rhys Oakley for a starting place at number eight.

"The whole back row has been excellent this season and we have a good blend of players there," he said.

We just need to function as a whole 15 for that 80 minutes now Danny Paul

"Hendre Fourie [flanker] is an animal, while Alfie is to a beast and the likes of Calum [Clark] that keep coming on for the last 20 minutes and his work rate is unbelievable. Then you have Kearnan Myall who is excellent in the line-out.

"So it's all looking good in that area. We just need to function as a whole 15 for that 80 minutes now. If we can do that I think it looks to promising for the rest of the season."

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