TEENAGER Shabir Khan has revealed his frustration at not being part of Worcester City's revival.

While City's Nationwide North campaign continues its remarkable upward curve, 19-year-old Khan can only sit and watch from the sidelines.

The talented home-grown defender is struggling to overcome a nagging groin injury that has kept him out of action for over two months.

His problem first came to light last Christmas and resurfaced prior to the arrival of Worcester player-manager Andy Preece in February, much to Khan's dismay.

"It was Christmas when it first occurred," explained Khan. "But then it came back again and that was really annoying and frustrating.

"It occurred just as the manager came here, so he's not been able to see me play. I really want to play with the team doing so well.

"As soon as I have a little break and I think I'm fine, it comes up again. It did not come about from a knock or anything. It just came on gradually and got worse during games.

"At the start of a game, it's not too bad. But as the game goes on, it becomes much worse as I'm running and kicking the ball.

"After a while, it's in my head all the time that the problem is there and it affects my game."

Khan had a scan on his left groin last Wednesday and remains hopeful that medics will give him the green light to play again before the end of the season.

City's academy graduate has made eight starts for Worcester this term and a series of impressive displays prompted many to consider him the natural successor to captain Carl Heeley at the heart of the defence.

Khan is committed to the St George's Lane club and admits he is eager to earn a new contract this summer.

"I'm just looking forward to the new season.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season, but I want to stay at the club. If they offered me a new contract, I'd sign it straight away. I love it at Worcester.

"I have not really spoken to the manager about next season. He has helped me a lot, though, and is always speaking to me about my injury and making me feel better.

"I went for a scan on my groin in Cheltenham to try and see if they can spot anything. I've got to wait another week for the results."

Khan added: "I feel as though I'm on my way back. I've been seeing a physio in Droitwich twice a week and that has really helped.

"The physio said that if I continue the way I've been, then I can be back in full training in another two weeks with the possibility of playing in the last few games.

"I still go to training sessions. I'm OK with running and doing a little bit of fitness work, but I can't get totally involved.

"That's frustrating because since the new management have been here, training has been quality."