The 35-year-old has resumed training with Nigel Pearson’s squad recently, and Tuesday’s outing with Steve Beaglehole’s Under-21s was another important stepping stone towards his return to action.
Upson started in defence against Leeds United in the Premier League U21 Cup, and although the team were eventually beaten 2-1 thanks to a late goal, it was a positive night for the former England international.
He told Foxes Player: “I don’t feel like I’m far away [from full fitness]. I’ve got a couple of issues I need to iron out but I’m pretty happy with how my progress has been since my lay off, and I’m working hard to put those things right and get back to full speed.
“Everything has been great here apart from not being able to play. That’s the most important thing, that’s why I’m at the Club and why I come to work every day. That process is always difficult as a footballer.
“The Club have been excellent, they’ve supported me all the way, the manager has been first class with me and given me all the support I need to get fit and get into this position.”
City’s next generation of stars have benefitted from playing alongside a number of first-teamers this term, and Upson was happy to lend a guiding hand to this year’s promising group.
He added: “Hopefully they can learn a lot. I remember playing with senior players and it was always something that I enjoyed doing and taking little snippets of what they were good at and their advice. I think it’s a key part of development.
“I thought the youngsters did well in tough circumstances. It’s possibly that game management that let us down, but that’s the thing with young players, they need these harsh lessons to learn and mature as players.”