THE POSTPONEMENT of Thursday’s night’s Gloucester Senior Challenge Trophy Quarter Final against Bristol City has cost former Cirencester Town Academy graduate some much-needed match practice.

Curtis, a tall central defender, has just returned from the States at the end of his college scholarship and is ready to continue his career at the Corinium Stadium.

“Craig is looking fit but there is nothing like playing games and it is unfortunate that the Bristol City game was frozen off because he would have played a part,” said Town manager Brian Hughes.

“I knew Craig from my first period for the club when he played for the first team, having coming up through the Academy.

“His international clearance is now through, so now it is a question of getting him match fit.”

Curtis turned out in Town colours for the 4-2 pre-season friendly win at Wootton Bassett on a brief spell home from the States and made it known then that he would be happy to return to the fold when his university commitments were over.

His comeback could not come at a more opportune time because fellow centre back Lee Molyneaux has cut short his second spell at the club by transferring to Clevedon Town in the Southern Premier.

Having been released by Conference club Forest Green Rovers, Moly turned out for the Centurions twice over the Christmas period, adding some solidity to the defence and helping the side to six valuable points against Bishops Cleeve and Uxbridge.

But his performances simply alerted clubs at a higher level to his availability and he has gone to Clevedon, where he will team up with former Town team-mate Chris Collins.