WORCESTER City ace Mark Owen has vowed to put nearly 18 months of injury misery behind him and win his battle for fitness.

The 25-year-old has been dogged by niggling injuries since recovering from a broken leg in October 2001, the latest a stomach muscle injury that has kept him out since Christmas.

But despite suffering set-backs Owen remains intent on recapturing the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

"The aim is to get back fit and flying and back to my best," he said.

"It has been difficult not being able to get going this season and I feel like I haven't done anything for two seasons.

"I don't know if I've rushed back too quickly but may be I tried to do too much.

"I got caught up in the excitement of coming back last time and I was probably not sensible enough and rushed myself too soon.

"But I don't want to keep breaking down every couple of games so I intend to be more sensible this time and that means getting rid of these little niggles.

"Whether that means coming back this season or next season I don't know but I want to get it right.

"I felt fit earlier in the season but it takes a while to get your match fitness but when I should have been getting some reserve team games under my belt I was on the bench because of the injury situation."

Prior to the devastating injury against St Blazey in the FA Cup which saw him break both ankle and fibula, Owen had plundered 17 goals that season including three hat-tricks.

His overall record for the St George's Lane club is outstanding with 107 goals from 206 appearances and Owen is convinced he can become a threat once more.

"That's my target and what I will be aiming for," he added.

Owen, who is due to have one of the pins from his leg removed, was today hoping to have a 45 minute run out in the reserves today.

Away from first team action Owen has been busy with City's academy squad in his role as assistant to youth development officer Ray Woods as well as doing work in schools as part of the club's community scheme.