SEVEN months putting your feet up sounds like bliss to some but for footballers it's nothing short of torture.

Unfortunately for Kevin Halliday that's precisely what he has had to endure since injuring his knee in pre-season before a competitive ball had even been kicked in anger.

It was an innocuous enough challenge against Hellenic side Bishop's Cleeve that damaged his knee but such was the seriousness of the injury that eventually he required re-constructive surgery on his anterior cruciate and lateral ligament.

Happily the 20-year-old is restored to full fitness, with 90 minutes for Worcester City reserves under his belt last Saturday.

While the reserves' 5-1 home defeat to Hinckley United will not linger long in the memory, for Halliday there was at least the satisfaction of a return to action.

If it was a huge relief for the ex-Swindon City apprentice he now faces another battle, this time with Paul Carty and the emerging Shabir Khan to force his way into the first team at left-back.

However, for now, that is the least of Halliday's concerns. "I'm just pleased to be playing again," said Halliday.

"It was frustrating being out for so long, especially earlier on when the team were struggling but they've obviously picked up since.

"My targets are to get back in contention for the first team. I want to be knocking on the door and I aim to be playing in the first team before the end of the season."

After such a lengthy lay-off there is always a fear of stepping back into the fray but Halliday, boosted by a week at Lilleshall, is confident of a successful return.

"Normally with these operations you come back stronger and hopefully it's the same for me."

Meanwhile Jon Holloway has been credited with City's first goal in their Worcestershire Senior Cup semi-final clash against Halesowen Town.

The defender's header was adjudged to have crossed the line before being scooped out by keeper Mark Shiels and then prodded in by Adam Webster.

"I sent Archie Richards in at half time and the referee confirmed it had crossed the line so I'm claiming it for the defenders' union," said Holloway, who takes his tally to the season to four, level with the unlucky Webster.