HE has been at Barrow for almost 10 months and has yet to play a game.

But striker Dan Cockerline is looking forward to the new season with relish – putting knee surgery and a prolonged absence behind him as he seeks to make his AFC bow.

Cockerline arrived at Holker Street from Northwich Victoria in October 2016 as a product of the youth system at Sheffield United and with experience of Conference North from a half-season spell with Curzon Ashton.

Boss Paul Cox had big hopes, and sent him out to Stalybridge Celtic to pick up some game-time and prepare him for a potential move into the AFC first-team.

All was going well for the 20-year-old, until an accident in training saw him follow team-mates Andy Parry and Joel Dixon to the surgeon for a knee ligament operation that ended his season before it has really begun.

But now Cockerline is back and ready for action.

He did not feature in pre-season, but was seen warming up with the squad ahead of several matches and has been in training for three weeks now, working himself up to the point where he will be able to play for the Bluebirds.

The aim is for him to be fit for the season-opener at Dagenham and Redbridge. If not, then Tuesday's first home game against FC Halifax Town.

With competition up-front from Jordan White, Harry Panayiotou and new recruit Adi Yussuf – plus Byron Harrison when he returns from injury – there is no guarantee as to when he will play.

But just the prospect is pleasing for Cockerline after so long out of the game.

“It's absolutely fantastic, I'm absolutely loving being back in training,” he said. “I've come back a lot sharper than I thought I would – I thought I would be more sloppy, because I've not kicked a football in six-and-a-half months. I've come back really good; the gaffer is pleased and the coaching staff are pleased with my progress, and I'm absolutely delighted to be back in training.

“We're trying to get as much training in as possible, so I'm used to contact training again. It could be the first game of the season where I am on the bench. Being ready for Dagenham is the goal, if not then the game after. I'll be in and around the squad, challenging to be in the squad.”

He added: “I just want to enjoy my football, work hard, score goals, and see where it takes me. I've got to get in the team first, and there are a lot of talented strikers at the club, Jordan, Byron, Harry, Adi has come in, they are all very talented players.

“I need to impress in training, show that I'm sharp, show that I'm hungry, and every time I get a chance take it with both hands, work hard, score goals and see where it takes me.

“I just want to enjoy my football again. It was taken away too soon last year, so just to get out there again and do what I do.”

This will be Cockerline's first season at National league level, and he is looking forward to that challenge as well.

“I played Conference North on loan, and I went to Stalybridge – albeit it was for one game,” he said. “I'm looking forward to Conference Premier – it's a new challenge for me, but I think I'm ready for it. I've come back physically stronger, I'm in good shape, and I think I'm ready for it.”