BEN Marlow is confident he will be back fit and firing on all cylinders come the start of next season following nine months of injury frustration.

The East Thurrock United midfielder has started just one match this season, and made three substitute appearances, due to a troublesome knee injury that has now required two surgeries.

Marlow, 22, was a key figure for Rocks in the National League South last term.

But despite hardly figuring this season he says he is determined to return strongly, to repay the faith shown in him by the club.

“Coming into pre-season I felt the fittest I had ever felt so the injury I sustained against Braintree came at the worse time,” said the former West Ham United youth product. “I thought it was just bruising but it didn’t improve and I had to have an operation after a scan showed a meniscus tear in my knee.

“I had the first operation and a few months after I had a scan as I had still been feeling pain and I had the second operation a few weeks ago.

“I have been resting up and been working close with Steve Taylor (Rocks physio) and Covo (manager John Coventry).

“Covo has been in contact a lot and he is trying to keep me motivated.

“I want to get fit and repay the faith he has shown me, and I am confident I will. A lot of managers would say ‘find another club’ and I appreciate all the club has done for me.

“To not play for a whole year has been awful. No player wants to see their team-mates play while you are sitting in the stands.

“But I speak to all the boys and I know what is going on. I will be working closely with Covo and Steve over pre-season and will be ready to go soon.”