TREVOR Senior has been impressed with the fitness of Sam Charles but has admitted his return to first-team action could now wait until next season.

The Bridport striker has been out for over a year with a cruciate ligament injury and his boss is adamant he will not be rushed back despite impressive showings in training.

Senior told Echosport: “We have still got to treat Sam with kid gloves at the moment.

“He is looking fit enough. He has been doing quite a bit of running and ball work but of course there is the psychological aspect too.

“Before he can return his mind has to be right as well and that could take some time.

“Just like I was, Sam has never been the best tackler and he needs to get used to the physical side of it again.

“Only he will know when he is ready in that regard and if it means his return has to wait to next season then so be it.”

Sam’s brother Joe is also progressing well. Senior added: “Joe suffered a similar injury and is only just a few months behind Sam.

“He had his operation back in October and has a little way to go yet but if we could get both him and his brother back for next season that would be fantastic.”

The Bees have lost just one of their last nine games but tomorrow’s home clash against Longwell Green Sports is already in doubt. Senior added: “Looking at the weather forecast I cannot see it being on but all we can do is prepare as normal in the hope it goes ahead.

“Longwell have been on a good run of late and moved up the table but they are still catchable and it is another big game for us.

“We beat them 5-2 at their place earlier in the season and, to be honest, I thought they were pretty poor that day but not long after that their manager went and won manager of the month.

“A lot of them are ex-Oldland players so we know it will be difficult but if we can just keep picking up points I will be happy.”

Bridport currently sit fourth-bottom in the Toolstation Western Premier Division, seven points adrift of Longwell, who lie 12th.

Senior, whose men hold games in hand on all the teams below them, went on to say: “There is still a lot to play for. “Radstock Town and Bristol Manor Farm are both catchable as well and it is just about trying to keep the momentum going now.

“We have played well since Christmas and hopefully we can continue that through to the end of the season.”

Dean Ritchie will be added to the Bees’ squad this weekend and there is also a chance one player could drop down to the reserves to get some minutes under their belt.

Bees (from): Lillington, J Filkins, Condliffe, Stordy, Evans, C Clarke, Hayter, Luke, Wise, Dovell, Legg, S Buckler, B Clarke, Hailu, Ritchie.