DAVID Holmes is ready to put his injury frustration behind him and start enjoying his football again.

The Worcester City attacker was forced into the role of spectator during the last three months of the season as he succumbed to a longstanding groin strain.

Now with a surgery date pencilled in for June 17 Holmes can contemplate a return to action.

His enforced absence due to the condition known as Gilmore's Groin has been a disheartening period for the 30-year-old who in a 15-year career has never suffered any prolonged absence through injury other than with a broken nose in his Scarborough days.

"It was frustrating travelling to Worcester and only being able to jog round the pitch and then watch from the stand," he said.

But having been sidelined for so long Holmes is clear about his intentions.

"I just want to get back to enjoying my football again, which is why I came to this club in the first place," he said.

"The day I stop enjoying it or get fed up with all the travelling will be the day I stop but with this operation I'll hopefully be good for at least another five years.

"I think we have got a good chance next season if we can carry on some of our early season form. When I first came some of the football we played was fantastic."

Holmes played on the left when he first arrived at St George's Lane from Ilkeston Town but later had a spell up front alongside Adam Webster however he doesn't know where he could up playing next season.

"I haven't got a clue but with John Barton planning to bring in some more players I will to earn the right to play," he added.

"I'm going to be a little bit behind the rest in terms of pre-season because they're starting back on July 10 and I'm only having the operation on June 17."

Holmes is having both groins operated but is looking at four to six weeks recovery before he can really step up his fitness programme.

However when he does finally get the green light it's fair to assume he will be champing at the bit to pull on the blue and white City shirt.