Booth set to end injury hell in FA Cup comeback

UTILITY man Mike Booth has handed Tiverton Town a boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Wimborne Town by declaring himself fit.

Booth was ruled out for virtually the entire campaign last season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

And just when it appeared that he was on the mend during the summer, his injury hell continued when he had to undergo a hernia operation.

But now it looks like his journey back from injury is coming to an end as he prepares to play a part in Saturday's clash.

Tiverton manager Martyn Rogers says Booth's availability serves as a big lift heading into one of the most important games of the season.

"We have got a big plus point in that Mike Booth has been training and has put himself in the mix for the weekend," said Rogers.

"Mike has had a cruciate and a hernia and now he needs a little bit of luck.

"He is as fit as a flee at the moment and has been training really hard. He looks the part and it will nice to have him back in the fold."

Booth swept the board at the award ceremony at the end of the 2006/07 season.

Rogers says he has kept his spirits up in the wake of his injury torment but admits his versatility will add an extra dimension to the team.

"He cleaned up with every award the last time he played and he had a great season that year. Mike is the sort of lad that you want around the place and if you could get 11 Mike Booth's in your team you would be doing okay.

"Obviously there is nothing worse as a player than to sit around, watching your team play and not being able to be part of it.

"He has kept his spirit up, he is a good lad and nice to see him back in the fold.

"He is very versatile and he can play in several positions which is great for us.

"Wherever you put him he does a great job. He can play right wing back, midfield or at the back.

"Most players like to play in one position but Mike is happy in a number of positions."

And Rogers insists that his return from injury is like signing a new player.

"It gives everyone in the squad a lift. It is like having a new player on board.

"He had a couple of pre-season games prior to the operation on his hernia, so he has not been without football in the last month or so. It will be nice to see him on the pitch.

"He is definitely ready and he said to me after training on Tuesday night that he can't wait to get going."

While Booth is expected to be thrust into contention, Rogers has been given a selection headache after Adam Faux, Tom Gardner and Paul Wyatt all suffered injuries.

Wyatt is expected to recover from a thigh strain, but Faux (hamstring) and Gardner (knee) are both doubts heading into the weekend encounter.

"Hopefully they will all recover in time," said Rogers. "We will be keeping our fingers crossed that they will be okay."

Rogers is stepping up his search to sign a new striker and is in talks with potential recruits.

He says nothing will happen before Saturday's match, but is hopeful of landing one of his targets next week.

"I am speaking to one or two and hopefully something will come about next week."