A NASTY wrist infection not only threatened Scott Cooksey's playing career but also his life, the Hereford United keeper has revealed.

Cooksey, who returned to competitive action for the reserves against Worcester City in midweek, is finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel after a bleak eight months when not just his playing career but his long term health was at stake.

The resolute Cooksey has battled back to fitness but his future is still uncertain as he attempts to recapture the strength which helped make him one of the best keepers in non-league football.

His problems started in February last season when he was given an injection in his wrist to help him through to the end of the season but he eventually ended up in hospital for three weeks.

"It was serious and I could have died," admitted Cooksey.

The infection ended up destroying the cartilage and bone surfaces in his wrist which restricted his movement and the strength in the joint.

"I will never be back to 100 per cent but it is good to just be back playing again," he said.

"The wrist is still sore and I have to have it heavily strapped.

"It's an injury that takes 18 months to settle down but even then it might not be back to full use."

His spell on the sidelines has been very much a solitary one but that is the way of football, according to Cooksey.

"It is a very lonely battle when you are out injured and you feel as they you've been left on the shelf but that is football," he said.

"You are easily forgotten when you are not playing but you just have to keep plugging away.

"My contract is up at the end of the season but for now I just want to get some games under my belt.

"It has been a very difficult eight months and I'm just happy to be on the pitch and can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have to keep working and basically it is down to myself to how far I go, how far I push myself."

In his absence young Matt Baker has established himself in the Bulls' goal and has earned himself a trial for the England FA Semi Professional team - a position Cooksey has occupied and still hopes to.

"I still see myself as an international and hope to be considered for the games against America and Holland in February and March but my first aim is to get a few reserve team games under my belt," he said.

"My ambition is still to play at the highest level but time might run out for me."

Cooksey's next target is the reserve game against Tamworth but with his determination it might not be too long before he's pressing Baker for the first team keeper's jersey.