INJURY-PLAGUED midfield star Terry Dunfield reckons he is finally ready for a return to action this weekend.

The Canadian playmaker's hard luck story takes some beating, having twice recovered from a dislocated shoulder injury only to suffer the same anguish while swimming this summer.

But now, after a lengthy lay-off and a successful operation in Vancouver, he claims he is ready to make his first appearance of the season at Torquay on Saturday after regaining match fitness with two reserve appearances in a week.

"Everything seems to be going to plan, I'm just itching to get back in the side," admitted the former Manchester City ace.

"It's been really frustrating watching from the stands, but Andy Preece and Graham Barrow have been amazing and I just want to get back in the side now to repay the faith they've shown in me.

"Not playing and being able to help the guys on the pitch is really frustrating, and maybe I've come back too soon instead of waiting for injuries to heal, but I've been working hard and hopefully I should be back for the Torquay game."

Dunfield signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Gigg Lane last August after a successful loan spell the previous season.

But, almost immediately, he found himself on the casualty list after dislocating his shoulder in Shakers' away defeat to Fulham in the League Cup third round.

Then the 21-year-old suffered the injury for a second time, against Kidderminster Harriers, before lightning struck a third time in pre-season training this year.

Manager Andy Preece will be keen not to rush Dunfield back too soon and risk another recurrence.

But with Shakers having lost six of their first 10 matches, Dunfield feels the time is right to make his mark as Bury try to haul themselves away from the foot of Division Three and back into the play-off chase.

"We've got a lot of injuries, so I'm aiming to get a regular spot in the midfield," added Dunfield.