SHABIR Khan hopes his loan spell at Stourport Swifts will prepare him fully for a return to action with Worcester City.

It is now more than a year since the left-back suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage playing against Hinckley United.

During that time, Shabir has had to watch his team-mates from the stands while slowly rebuilding the strength in his knee.

But he was able to get involved in pre-season training and has now taken the next step in his rehabilitation by joining Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West side Swifts.

The 25-year-old feels dropping two levels down the non-league pyramid is ideal as he adjusts to playing matches again.

“A year of not playing footballl is a long time,” he said.

“I am just trying to get back into the swing of things. It’s been a long road but I am getting back to it.

“I managed about 60 minutes in the first game and I got 90 minutes in the second.

“After each game there’s a bit of stiffness in the knee but it’s feeling stronger.

“I am not sure how long I will be at Swifts for but I am hoping to get five or six games. I need to make sure I am comfortable when I come back to Worcester.”

But, with competition for places as strong as it has ever been, Shabir is aware he faces a fresh battle to force his way back into Carl Heeley’s team.

He said: “I know I am not going to be straight back in the side because of how well they are doing.

“It’s about trying to get myself fit if there is a time when Carl needs to call me up to the bench or to start.

“I need to make sure I am 100 per cent ready for that but, with us doing so well, it is going to be difficult which is a good thing.”