FRUSTRATION has been the name of the game for Kidderminster Harriers goalkeeper Tim Clarke so far this season.

The experienced 32-year-old began the campaign full of high hopes for an action-packed - and successful - time.

And to start it that's how it looked like turning out.

After performing well in Kidder-minster's opening three fixtures against Torquay, Scunthorpe and Walsall, the six feet three inch keeper damaged his knee in his side's Nationwide League Division Three clash with Halifax Town at Aggbor-ough on Saturday, August 26.

A scan revealed that a cartilage operation was needed and he still remains on the road to recovery.

It's hoped, however, that he will soon be available - possibly today - for selection to bring to an end his nightmare spell on the sidelines.

He said: "I missed the back end of last season with a back injury and since then I haven't really had an extensive injury free period. And that annoys me as I haven't really been that injury prone in all my career."

Clarke looked to be on course for an earlier return to action, but suffered a setback during training.

Now, though, he's back on the mend and eager to return to the fray. The former Halesowen Town campaigner, who went on to play for Coventry City said: "My contract expires in the sum-mer so I want to prove to the gaffer that I can help push the club onto bigger and better things. Unfortunate-ly, while I'm injured and not playing it is difficult proving I am worthy of a new contract here. Time isn't on my side, but I know the club can go higher and I want to be part of it."