NORTHWICK lad Sam Yeomans cannot wait to grasp a second chance at Worcester City after injury cruelly blighted his first shot at senior football.

The 19-year-old followed in the footsteps of Jamie Smith and Shabir Khan in climbing through the ranks via Heart of Worcestershire College and now studies sports management and marketing at University of Worcester.

Yeomans seemed set to start making his name on the pitch having impressed manager John Snape during the pre-season of 2017 until disaster struck.

In his haste to make a quick comeback, a grade-three – complete – tear of his ankle ligaments recurred with further damage ending hopes of adding to one senior appearance in a League Cup tie at Littleton.

But on the back of a tentative return with the under-21s at the back end of last term Yeomans has had a problem-free pre-season as he chases his dream.

“I came back too early last season,” said Yeomans.

“I thought it was right but rushed back and had the same injury again as well as damaging the tendons in my ankle. The whole area was quite weak.

“Being a local lad and after coming through the youth levels, I always wanted to play for the men’s team. I felt like I could take my chance but it all went downhill and I was gutted.

“The love of football and the lads around you keep you going. Everyone is quite positive here, the backroom staff have all been on hand to help me out through a hard time.

“It has been a struggle but knowing you have all of those people there whenever you need a chat helps. That gives your confidence a boost.

“Time dragged with me being out for most of the season although I did play a couple of games for the under-21s towards the end to get my fitness back.

“I feel like I have had a good pre-season so far and that I’m getting fit. It is getting stronger, there is a long way to go but hopefully not too long.”

Yeomans impressed throughout Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win at Bewdley Town and hopes to use that as a platform to impress.

“I want to make a steady start to this season, keep myself in the squad then the team week in week out. That’s the aim,” he added.

“We are all here for a reason and now is the time to show why the club has brought me in.

“I am hoping this will be my year. I want to fight for a starting place, there is a lot of competition but that is good for a young player.

“You can only do your best and be ready for the call-up when it happens. If I get that place I have to hold on to it.”

Worcester play their first home pre-season friendly of 2018-19 on Saturday when Stratford Town visit Bromsgrove's Victoria Ground (3pm).

City have started their preparations with five away wins and 20 goals.