Edinburgh’s Alex Arthur insists he is fit and ready to return to the ring after nine months of inactivity following his loss to Nigel Wright in December. The former WBO super featherweight champion played down any possible ring rust as he prepares to face Peter McDonagh at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall on September 4.

The 32-year-old will fight on the undercard of fellow Scot Ricky Burns’ as he tries to wrest Arthur’s former strap from reigning champion Roman Martinez.

Arthur, who lost the WBO strap to Nicky Cook in September 2008 in a fight he thought he was winning, has fought only twice since then; a first round technical knockout of Mohamed Benbiou before a points defeat to Wright.

"There have been long gaps in my career for one reason and another,” said Arthur, 27-3 (20 KOs). "But this is the here and now and I feel brilliant. Ring rust is not an issue.

"The time off will not be to my advantage but I've had some very good sparring and very real sparring.

"I had a rest after my last fight but I have been sparring since March. I am 32 but I still feel physically brilliant and I am still the fittest person in the gym."

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Irishman McDonagh, 32, has lost more fights than he has won, with a record of 15-18 (2 KOs), but Arthur is not taking anything for granted and knows any slip-up could ruin his ambitions of claiming a second world title.

Arthur, who re-signed with promoter Frank Warren, said: "I've got to deliver Frank the victories and get my title back. So I am really, really excited about this fight.

"I can't wait to get back in and at my best weight, and Glasgow is a fantastic place to fight in.

"I'd describe McDonagh as a good solid professional. I've had a look at him on tapes and he has good physical attributes and lightweight suits him."