JOEY HUTCHINSON is counting down the days before the League Two season begins after vowing to put his ten-month injury nightmare behind him.

The 23-year-old is relishing the opportunity to make up for lost time after missing most of last season with cruciate knee ligament damage.

Hutchinson has been sidelined since September after sustaining the injury at Rochdale. But, after returning to training last month, the former Birmingham City defender is just glad to be involved again.

"It's been a nightmare watching the lads train," said Hutchinson. "I've spent a lot of time training on my own, but I got through it by staying strong-minded.

"It has been a long process, but worth it and it feels great to be involved with the lads again.

"I'm champing at the bit to get started again and I can't wait for the new season to start."

Hutchinson made his long-awaited return to action at Harrogate last Thursday, playing 30 minutes of the 3-1 win, before coming through the second half of Saturday's friendly at Barrow without any problems.

"I feel fit and my knee feels good, which is the most important thing," said Hutchinson. "It's just a case of getting a few more games under my belt now."

Hutchinson will get another chance to step up his fitness when Quakers entertain Leeds United at the Williamson Motors Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

Hodgson will again run the rule over former Middlesbrough duo Anthony Peacock and Jamie Cade, while French goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu could make his debut.

Leeds are expected to field a strong side that could include former Quakers striker Robbie Blake.

"It would be quite a strange feeling if that turned out to be my first game for the club," said Blake, who completed his move from Birmingham City on Monday. "Hopefully I will get a game."

Several turnstiles will be designated cash only tonight.

Meanwhile, Paul Connor has ruled out a move to Darlington and vowed to fight for his place at Swansea City.

The 26-year-old held talks with Quakers at the end of last week after Swansea accepted an undisclosed bid for the Bishop Auckland-born striker.

But, after rejecting a return to his native North-East, Connor is keen to remain at the White Rock Stadium. "I was gutted they said I could speak to them because I don't want to leave," he said. "I want to stay here and fight for my place. I am just going to have to work hard as normal and see where it takes me."

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