Frustrated Jamie Lawrence hopes to be back in contention for a place in the Bradford City side within the next three weeks - and hopes that his injury nightmare will be firmly behind him.

The 29-year-old played a huge part in City's promotion success last season with some storming displays down the right flank.

Lawrence, who started his career with tomorrow's visitors Sunderland, was relishing a return to the Premiership after leaving Leicester to join City in the summer of 1997 only to be struck down by injury.

The first came in pre-season when he pulled a thigh muscle which ruled him out of the opening day victory at Middlesbrough. And then after playing just three games, Lawrence was forced to undergo a hernia operation which he is now recovering from.

He said: "Not being in the side is killing me at the moment because I want to play football. All I seem to have done in recent weeks is try to get back from injury.

"I aggravated the groin injury in the run-up to the Arsenal game and then with the number of times I had to keep turning at right back, I made it worse. I had the hernia operation soon after that.

"I hope to be back available for selection in time for the match with Leicester on October 23. I had a light jog on Monday for the first time and just want to build my fitness up as soon as I can without rushing myself.

"I hate being injured. It has been very frustrating having to sit in the stands and watch the side playing in the Premiership.

"I am paid to play and that is what I want to do. All I want to test myself against the best."

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