The New Saints manager Scott Ruscoe said his players are itching to get back to competitive action after a date was set for the return of top-tier Welsh football.

JD Cymru Premier fixtures are expected to resume on the first weekend of March after almost three months of games not being played.

It is proposed the JD Cymru Premier season will operate from March 5 to May 31.

A date for the return comes as a nice incentive for Ruscoe and his players who are looking forward to a return.

The Saints boss said: “It’s good to have a bit of clarity as everything was up in the air for a while.

“We’re training full time and we’ve played three games in total now, so we’re doing everything we can to stay on top of things.

“In this situation there’s nothing better than getting a date to plan for and work towards.

“Hopefully in four weeks’ time we can start playing competitively again.”

The side’s last league match saw them overcome Penybont with a 2-1 win back in December, but last week beat Chester 4-2 in a friendly at Park Hall.

Ruscoe hopes Saints can continue with their pre-lockdown form to hold onto the top spot until the end of the season.

He said: “We haven’t played since December competitively, so that’s a long gap. We’re all really looking forward to getting back in action in the league and hopefully finishing off the season. There has been talk about a cup competition too, so we would have a lot of games.

“I think it’s likely we’ll play at the weekend and midweek, but it will suit us down to the ground. Hopefully come March, we’ll have everyone back to it and fit.

“Ryan Brobbel who has been out long-term is looking sharp and is getting back to it which is great.

Ruscoe added: “I’d imagine we’d have nearly everybody back and fighting for a shirt.”