GRUELLING pre-season training starts for Worcester City's squad tonight -- but for one player the hard work cannot begin soon enough.

Striker Mark Owen is relishing the annual race to get fit in a way he has never experienced before.

The 24-year-old saw his season shattered last year with a double leg fracture that threatened his career and ruled him out for nine months.

Fortunately the prolific marksman has made a full recovery, even managing a substitute's appearance in the final game of the season against Bath City and is now set for another crack at leading City's front line.

"Everything is fine regarding the injury and I'm now back to the weight I was before I broke my leg," he said.

"I'm looking forward to getting started again -- I can't wait.

"Usually the thought of pre-season training is not one players normally relish but I can't wait to get involved again.

"After last season when I came so close to finishing due to the injury I'm just taking every day as it comes."

Owen has spent the summer relaxing and enjoying the World Cup where he took heart from Ronaldo's form and fitness after an injury plagued three years.

"It proves that if you work hard you can get your goals," he said.

Owen, who had an explosive start to last season with 17 goals and three hat-tricks, is not setting targets this time round, content instead just to be involved in the St George's Lane set-up where he is also assistant to the club's youth development officer Ray Woods.

Assistant boss Mick Tuohy is delighted to see Owen back and expects him to benefit from manager John Barton's new signings.

"Mark is champing at the bit and the nice situation is that we've got some experienced players coming in to key positions. I think we will always be in the position to create chances."