LUCKLESS Darlington defender Joey Hutchinson is ready to put his injury nightmare behind him, writes Lee Hall.

The 24-year-old will be fit to resume training when the squad reassembles at the end of June.

Hutchinson has been sidelined since Boxing Day after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury at Carlisle.

But, after a rigorous rehabilitation process - which has included several visits to the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall - he is satisfied with the progress.

"I've just started jogging and hopefully I can pick things up and be ready for pre-season," he said. "I should be ready when the rest of the lads go back at the end of June. I'm feeling really good at the minute - the people down at Lilleshall are really happy with my recovery.

"It's just a case of getting a few pre-season games under my belt and I should be OK."

Hutchinson missed the majority of the 2004/05 season with the same injury to his other knee.

Understandably, he is relishing getting his career back on track.

"I can't wait to get involved because it's been a nightmare," said Hutchinson. "I'm 24 years old and haven't played that many games, which is embarrassing."

Hutchinson is one of several players out of contract this summer, although the defender has received assurances over his future from manager David Hodgson.

Read more about the Quakers here.