COMEBACK star Jamie Pitman is excited at the prospect of taking up battle in Hereford United's midfield once again.

After five gruelling and frustrating months recovering from a shoulder operation, the 29-year-old is now ready and waiting to taste the action at Stevenage Borough tomorrow.

Pitman was selected as a substitute last Saturday when the Bulls failed to see off promoted Altrincham in a 0-0 draw at Edgar Street.

But manager Graham Turner chose not to summon the former Yeovil Town and Woking man off the bench as two points were dropped against the part-time Cheshire outfit.

"It was just good to be on the bench," said Pitman. "For me, it's a matter of biding my time and waiting for my opportunity.

"I'm just so happy to be back after the last four or five months with the shoulder injury. I'm full of enthusiasm and glad that I'm becoming a problem for team selection again. I realise I've got to be patient.

"The gaffer has brought in a few midfielders and they are all good players. He wanted a good squad to give ourselves the best chance of promotion.

"With players like Andy Ferrell, if they continue to play well, they deserve to stay there.

"But if the gaffer does pick me against Stevenage, it's a great one to come back for. I've always believed that if you work hard, you get your reward. And, hopefully, I'll soon get that reward."

United head to Broadhall Way with several players doubtful. Wing-back Alex Jeannin, midfielder Jon Brady and strikers Adam Stansfield and Guy Ipoua were all absent from training in midweek.

Hamstring victims Ipoua and former Stevenage man Brady are more likely to miss out, with Turner rating their chances 'touch and go'.

Stevenage striker Dino Maamria is suspended and that will come as relief to Hereford fans with long memories.

The Tunisian helped dump United out of last April's play-offs with two crucial goals over two semi-final legs.

Pitman admits it will be a spicy fixture following their play-off heartbreak, but it will prove a severe test as Borough hold a 100 per cent home record this term.

He added: "Stevenage are strong and physical, but also play good football. I think there will be quite a bit of spice with what happened last year.

"We've got a lot of respect for them, but I'm sure they have got the same respect for us. I can only imagine it will be a close game."