WORCESTER City defender Allan Davies has vowed to be fit in time for the start of the new season.

The right-back will miss most of City's pre-season programme after having an operation earlier this week to remove some floating bone in his ankle.

But he still hopes that he can build up his fitness enough to be ready for the kick-off to the new Dr Martens League season on August 17.

Davies said: "It is a blow to be missing most of pre-season, but on the other hand I am glad I am getting it done because I will feel in my own mind that I won't have this problem any more."

The former Burton Albion player suffered the injury in the home game against Tamworth back in February, and gamely battled on until the end of the season when he was advised to rest it up.

But on resuming his personal training a few weeks ago, he found it was still giving him discomfort, and following a visit to see a specialist, the operation was arranged which will keep him out for around six weeks.

Davies said: "I broke my ankle about 15 years ago and where I took the bang, there was a bit of bone from the original break.

"That has been constantly rubbing on the inflammation and hasn't given it time to settle. It just needs to be shaved off and cleaned up."

Davies admits to mixed feelings about not being involved when City start pre-season training on July 9.

He said: "I need to do a pre-season and unfortunately I'm not going to get it, but I will be able to do my own training which will be a big benefit and will mean I shouldn't be too far behind. If everything goes well, and I'm looking at the best scenario, I won't be a million miles away.

"I think I will be fit - whether I will be match-fit will be the biggest question because I won't be able to get many games before the season kicks off."

Davies is looking forward to the new campaign, saying: "We have a better squad of players now with the people that John Barton has brought in, and he still wants to bring in a couple more.

"It will be tough because there are other clubs spending a lot of money, and everyone expects Worcester to be challenging because they are a big club.

"If we can get off to a decent start and get people coming through the gates, it can all snowball from there."