Strootman scores on return to action

Roma fans were treated to a welcome sight on Friday as Kevin Strootman scored on his return to competitive football.

The Netherlands international stroked home a penalty in Roma Primavera's emphatic 6-0 win over Avellino.

Strootman has been training with Alberto De Rossi's young side in recent weeks in a bid to regain fitness following surgery on his latest knee problem in September.

The 25-year-old took to Twitter following the match to describe the "incredible feeling" of getting back on a football pitch.

Strootman stated last month that he aims to be back for Luciano Spalletti's side by the middle of February.

"I feel much better," he said at a meeting with supporters. "I'll play a short match with the Primavera, then return to training with the first team in mid-February.

"I hope to return to playing with my team-mates soon. My goal is to win something in this shirt, and give a trophy to the fans because they deserve it."