MATT Moors has been given a timeframe of six weeks before he can return to competitive football, according to Trevor Senior.

Sharpshooter Moors underwent keyhole surgery last week in order to repair the cartilage in his right knee, which he injured twice last season.

Moors originally sustained damage at Truro City last September and then suffered a recurrence four months ago when he fell awkwardly under a heavy tackle against Keynsham Town.

Since then, the former Port-land United frontman has endured a frustrating period on the sidelines, but now the end of his injury nightmare appears to be in sight.

And boss Senior believes that Moors’ return to the fold for the upcoming Toolstation Western League Division One campaign will be a major boost.

Senior said: “Matt was told before the operation that he could be playing again in six weeks, so if we could get him back early on in the season it would feel like a new signing.

“He was playing well before he got injured the first time at Truro, then had a long time out recovering before getting injured again.

“It will be a big bonus to have him back fit.

“It was a big shame that he missed two-thirds of the season through injury because he had shown he was good enough for this level.

“Matt scored four goals in the nine games he played and is very sharp. He’s got a great strike on him and is a natural left-footer, which brings something different and adds balance to the team.”

Notwithstanding the impending return of Moors, Senior has reiterated his desire to recruit a proven marksman to St Mary’s Field during the summer.

Sam Charles topped the goalscoring charts and despite expressing a wish to try his luck with either Weymouth or Dorchester Town, the Bees’ chief has not admitted defeat on keeping him just yet.

Senior added: “The three strikers we had last season in Warren Byerley, Sam Charles and Matt Moors weren’t available very often at all.

“We have got very creative midfield players like Darren Watts, Dan Wise and Jamie Symes who can score goals but every manager wants someone who can put the ball in the net consistently.

“I haven’t given up on Sam yet. I think Warren will be out of our reach but I’d like to think if Sam doesn’t make it with Dorchester, he will come down to us.”

Senior has already pencilled in friendlies against Westland Sports on Friday, July 16, and a double header against Trowbridge and their reserves on Saturday, July 24.

Additional warm-up matches against Portland United, Weymouth and Sherborne Town are also likely to be finalised over the coming weeks.