Dale Binns expects Sutton United to finish the season strongly as he sets his sights on a first team return against Concord Rangers this weekend.
United have had to contend with an ever-changing squad as well as an injury list that would challenge even the most well stocked Conference South team.
Binns has played just three times this term, and he has become accustomed to a role in the stands in the his first season that has been seriously affected by injury.
“It’s been really tough for me. I’ve never experienced anything like this before and getting used to not playing has been difficult,” the 33-year-old said.
“I was expecting to be out until maybe the end of October but as soon as I got back I got injured again. You try to help from the touchline but it’s just not the same as playing.
“Now I want to get minutes under my belt and get match fit.”
United have played two more games than Rangers and a victory at the weekend will see them move two points clear of their mid-table rivals.
Goal man: Dale Binns on target in last season's 3-0 win over Weston-super-Mare
Binns is aware of the importance of coming out on top in the clash and stretching Sutton’s unbeaten run to five games.
He said: “The games against Concord and the two games against Gosport are our biggest of the season, and we need to keep winning every game.
“We finished the season really well last year and I believe we can do that again and achieve good things for this club.”
Despite the length of his lay-off, Binns’ injuries represent a footnote in the issues United have faced this season.
Manager Paul Doswell lost seven players to injury during November and has had to reshape his squad after players left in the summer.
With players returning to fitness and new signings beginning to find their feet Binns believes that United can only improve as the season reaches its climax.
“It’s no surprise that we are starting to do well. There is a real belief in the team and we have big personalities on the pitch and in the dressing room,” claimed Binns.
“We have a lot of players who can change a game and that is important.”
Sutton play five times during February, and will hope that a victory on Saturday can supply the perfect springboard for the remainder of their campaign.
And another: Dale Binns scores in the 3-3 draw at Whitehawk towards the end of last season Picture: Paul Loughlin
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