Blackpool striker Billy Clarke is plotting an early return to training at Bloomfield Road in an effort to regain full fitness for the start of the season.
The Irishman missed the whole Barclays Premier League campaign last term after after suffering a cruciate injury against Tiverton Town 11 months ago, and is desperate to fire the Tangerines back into the top flight this term.
After making tentative steps towards a competitive return with the reserves at the end of the season, Clarke now aims to force his way back into the first team, rather than search for opportunities on loan.
"I'll be coming back for pre-season training a little bit earlier because I just want to push on again now," Clarke told the official Blackpool website.
"It's been very frustrating on the sidelines and my injury has been the toughest I've ever had to deal with, both physically and mentally."
Whilst the former Ipswich Town man believes last season's relegation will be a difficult disappointment to get over, Clarke is confident Ian Holloway's side can instantly return to the Promised Land and believes a good start to the new season could be key for Blackpool.
"It's obviously heartbreaking not staying in the Premier League but I'm determined to help the club get back there. I believe we can bounce back like all other teams have done previously," he continued.
"There are plenty of games to play in the Championship and hopefully we can hit the ground running and push for promotion again."
