LUKE Winsper will be putting in the hard yards over the summer in a bid to regain his spot in the Terras’ midfield.

The 21-year-old’s season was cut short when Weymouth played Bashley in March as he suffered a broken metatarsal in his foot, but on re-signing with the club for next term, Winsper is determined to prove he is worthy of a place in Jason Matthews’ starting XI.

Speaking to Echosport, the former Bristol City academy midfielder told Echosport: “I was worried a little bit because I wanted to prove myself at the end of the season, but Jason told me that I had done enough already and he wanted to sign me.

“If I keep pushing myself and doing what I did last year, with an injury-free season I am really looking to make that position in the midfield my own now.

“My main target is to get back into the team and prove to Jason that I am his best midfielder. After getting into the first team last year, that’s my main aim.”

And although Winsper realises that he has a long way to go before he is fully recovered, he is relishing the prospect of turning out at the Bob Lucas Stadium once again.

Commenting on the current state of his injury, he added: “I am walking fine on it at the moment, it aches a bit but I’ll be okay.

“Hopefully next week I’ll be able to start getting in the gym and getting ready for pre-season. There are extra sessions with Jake Richmond over the summer so hopefully I will be able to get down there and get myself ready.

“A while ago, I was asked if I wanted to go to Dorchester but I said I was enjoying it at Weymouth and I’m glad I stayed. I wouldn’t think I’d leave Weymouth, I know I’m only 21 but I really love it there.”

On capturing the young midfielder once again, boss Matthews added: “Luke did very well for me last season in the holding midfield role and I was keen to get him back on board.

“It basically fills my options in the middle of midfield, he has a lot of potential and we are hoping to see the best of that this year.

“We are hoping that he is going to be fit by the start of the season with his foot. He needs to believe in his own ability because I feel that he could be a very good player at Southern League level.”

  •  Elsewhere, defender Michael Walker has agreed to re-join Poole Town following his exit from the Bob Lucas Stadium by mutual consent last week.