Paul Appleby will make a sooner than expected return to the ring after being handed a European featherweight title fight later this year.

The 21-year-old, from South Queensferry, is still recovering from losing his British title to Martin Lindsay two months ago, but has been officially nominated to challenge title holder Ukraine's Oleg Yefimovich.

Appleby's chance comes following Lindsay's decision to surrender his status as the number one contender for the European belt with the Scot the next best choice.

The fight has been put out to pursue bids by the European Boxing Union and while Appleby's promoter, Tommy Gilmour, is hopeful of securing home advantage they may have to travel to Eastern Europe.

"It is a major boost for Paul and when Lindsay decided to turn down the Yefimovich fight we didn't hesitate to accept the EBU's offer," said Gilmour.

"It was a fight we always had in mind for him, although it seemed as if the defeat to Lindsay would put him back down the queue of contenders."