FEW players genuinely look forward to pre-season with any relish, but after months of rehabilitation Ryan Clarke is not complaining.

Oxford United’s No 1 is thrilled to be back after missing the second half of last season following surgery on both shoulders.

It has been a long road to recovery, but Clarke, who is likely to start against Birmingham City tomorrow, is delighted to report training has been pain-free.

He said: “It’s made me appreciate things a lot more because it’s the first long-term injury I’ve had.

“I’ve had to be very disciplined in the way I look after myself and on a personal level I find it quite phenomenal that I’m back after two big operations.

“It’s a relief and I’m really pleased with the way I’ve handled it and all the discipline I’ve had to show.”

The difficult spell since going under the knife in January meant that while for most of his U’s teammates the opening friendly at Ardley United two weeks ago was a routine workout, for Clarke stepping out on the pitch was a significant moment.

“Considering in the darkest times you wondered if the shoulders were going to be right or was I going to get back to where I think I need to be, putting the kit on again was a proud moment for me,” he said.

“In a couple more games I think I’ll be back to where I want to be.”

Although all the hard work has been aimed at getting him back to where he used to be, the injury has changed the 31-year-old, who has set himself higher standards.

Clarke says he is at the training ground an hour earlier than previously to go through a variety of exercises to ensure he stays fit.

“I’ve got loads of programmes to make sure I’m on top of things,” he said.

“I’m in earlier every day than I was before and I’ve worked harder than ever and that’s how it’s been for the last seven months.

“I do feel better for it, I’m feeling really strong and raring to go.

“All I need is a bit of time to get back into things in terms of movement during games and communication.”