INJURED footballers make lousy spectators and Jon Holloway is no exception.

But after six weeks out of action Worcester City's combative defender is close to a return, possibly even for today's clash with Weston-super-Mare at St George's Lane.

Holloway admits his time on the sidelines with a groin injury has been the most frustrating of his career.

He sustained it at Nuneaton Borough in the 2-1 league defeat and after three weeks of little improvement where he could hardly kick a ball, he has been stepping up his training efforts of late in a bid to recapture fitness.

"It's the worst injury I've ever had," said Holloway.

"The most I've been out before is something like 10 days but I've never had a pull before.

"I had a scan three weeks ago which showed the tendons weren't off the bone and it wasn't too serious but it wasn't showing a great deal of improvement for a while.

"I used to give other people stick when they had groin problems and tell them to take a few tablets and get on with it but now I've got it is the most frustrating and annoying thing because you can't do a thing, I couldn't even kick a ball."

Since Holloway's enforced absence City have played six matches, winning only one, and the ex-Bath City and Gloucester City favourite is desperate to help revive their fortunes.

"It's a difficult one at the moment but I don't think we are playing too badly," he said.

"We just desperately need to score the first goal and give everybody a lift.

"From the rest of the results in the league and what we've seen I don't think there is anyone better than us.

"We really need a result but that's the thing with this league if we can put three or four wins together we can get back in the pack.

"On the other hand it can go the other way and you end up in trouble so it's an interesting situation at present."

If Holloway fails to make it back for today's match his next opportunity, aside from Monday's Ian Cottrill testimonial against Kidderminster Harriers, will be against Marine in the FA Trophy.

"It's always good to play teams from other leagues and I've been keeping an eye out on their results and they seem to be in a similar situation to us," added Holloway.

"It would be great to get a run in the Trophy but right now we need to get something from Weston in the league."