Aldershot Town assistant manager Mark Jones praised Ollie Harfield after the Shots' left-back returned to action after 717 days out injured.

Harfield made his return in Aldershot’s 3-0 National League Cup group stage defeat at home to West Ham United’s under-21s.

Harfield started the match against the young Hammers at the EBB Stadium and was substituted in the 34th minute in a pre-planned move as he manages his recovery.

Jones was delighted by Harfield’s return and praised the left-back for his professionalism on the long road to recovery.

“I’m delighted for Ollie,” said Jones.

“It was a special occasion for him to get back out on the pitch – he's worked incredibly hard and been so professional.

“I didn't really know Ollie before Scott Davies and I arrived in the summer.

“I’ve seen Ollie’s dedication over the past few months – he's always in early and he's trying to do everything right to give himself the best chance of being out there.”

Harfield may have expected to be rusty on his return to action after 717 days out injured, but Jones felt that Aldershot’s left-back acquitted himself well against West Ham.

“I thought Ollie did well for that half an hour,” said Jones.

“He made good decisions on the ball and showed good intensity in his play.

“I’m delighted for him to get back and hopefully now we can manage him correctly.

“Obviously he's got to build his match minutes up and be ready to go, but I think his return was definitely a positive.

“Ollie's been back in training a couple of weeks. He's trained well and he's very professional.

“He tries to do everything correctly and we're delighted for him. Fingers crossed he can stay injury free and hopefully work his way back into the team.”