MARK Danks could be back training with Worcester City by the end of the month.

Striker Danks, who scored nine goals last season, broke a fifth metatarsal training by himself last month and has been sidelined since.

The news came as a blow to City boss Andy Preece, coming at the start of the pre-season programme and leaving him with four strikers -- Adam Webster, Preece himself, Troy Wood and new signing Craig Wilding.

But although Danks is ruled out of City's opening Nationwide North fixtures, Preece is hopeful the former Forest Green Rovers player will be back on the training pitch in a matter of weeks.

He said: "Mark has had his cast off and the surgeon says he's happy with it.

"It's just going to take a week to get back to walking and then after a week he can start swimming and cycling.

"In maybe two to three weeks he can be joining in training again."

City's pre-season warm-up continues tonight with a trip to Bromyard Town (7.45pm).