WORCESTER City hotshot Mark Danks admits his comeback date remains a mystery as a troublesome thigh strain refuses to heal.

The 33-year-old started suffering with the complaint while sidelined through suspension and keeps getting beset by further pain each time he edges closer to recovery.

Danks has arguably been City’s most creative force this season, weighing in with nine goals in 14 appearances to boot, making it a frustrating time for all concerned.

“I can sprint, strike a ball and do 85 per cent of the things you need to do when you play but I keep getting a twinge with certain movements,” said Danks.

“Once I feel it I have to stop because I know if I push it then I will be back to square one, which has happened a couple of times now.

“I wanted to be fit for the past two Saturdays but it hasn’t happened. I am doing everything in my power to get myself back but it will be a case of then making sure I am match fit.

“It is a bit disheartening having worked so hard during pre-season to come back in and get a good run but it is not the first time I have been injured and had to come back and I will bounce back again.

“I don’t want to mess about with it. I have told the physio that if it is going to hurt me to get it right then just do it.

“I have been a bit cranky purely because I want to play. It is frustrating because I keep going back a step when it feels so close to being right.

“When it doesn’t feel too bad you think ‘I’ll be fit for Saturday’ but I said that at the weekend and the weekend before that. It does knock the wind out of you.”

But despite straining at the leash to be back out there, Danks acknowledged he may have to wait for his chance on the back of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Haughmond.

“The big thing is to get back to playing how I have been and to carry on enjoying it,” said Danks. “It would be nice to come straight back in and pick up some form but it is not always as simple as that.

“With the way the lads played on Saturday, I would not expect to start a game even if I was match fit and I will need minutes under my belt. It is all about being ready to play first and we will see what happens from there.”