PHIL Eggleshaw is intent on playing some part Nottingham Rugby's British and Irish Cup campaign.

The back rower (pictured) is focused on returning from injury in time for the Green and Whites' final two cross-border competition group games in mid-January.

The 23-year-old underwent surgery in early October to address a cartilage tear in his shoulder and hasn't featured in a competitive game this season.

Eggleshaw has recovered well after going under the knife and is working hard with fitness and conditioning coach Jo Brun to be ready to rejoin his teammates at the club's Lady Bay training base in the New Year. He is still restricted to maintaining his cardiovascular endurance by sitting on the exercise bike and rebuilding his upper body strength with regular weight training at the club's Meadow Lane headquarters.

"It's good to be back and active again," Eggleshaw said.

"We can't put a date on when I'll be back playing, but I want to work my way into the team with a run in the Cup.

"Things have come along well and I'm happy with my progress as everything we have done has been successful so far.

"Right now, I'm working on getting my fitness up with light weights and high repetition in the gym."