FOREST Green defender Aarran Racine is set for a merry Christmas as he continued his rehabilitation from knee surgery with a confidence boosting 75 minutes in a training ground friendly against Exeter City.

Racine, who is being eased back after anterior cruciate ligament damage to his knee, and his return to fitness is a welcome tonic for boss Ady Pennock.

"I do like him a lot and rate him highly," said Pennock.

"It will be great to have him available again for the second half of the season."

"He has worked his socks off.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for him, so all credit to him and (head physio) Paul Maxwell.”

Rovers were beaten 3-0 by Exeter, who included former Republic of Ireland international striker Clinton Morrison, Wales international Arron Davies and ex-West Ham United midfielder David Noble.

Clovis Kamdjo, Paul White, Louis McGrory and Magno Vieira also featured and gained important minutes against the Grecians.

The rest of the squad was made up of players from the Academy squad with James Fisher, Cameron Pirie, Scott Bevan and Macauley Dodson all impressing.