FIT-AGAIN Callum Hart is under no illusions that “I’ve got to fight for my place” in a Salisbury side that can’t stop winning.

The Welsh defender made his competitive return to action on Tuesday night in the Salisbury Hospital Cup. He featured for an entire 90 minutes as a much-changed Whites defeated Andover New Street 3-0 in the quarter-final to set-up a last four home tie with Amesbury Town.

It was the first time the 31-year-old kicked a ball since they were crowned Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions nine months ago.

He dislocated his left shoulder while on a summer holiday and subsequently underwent an operation in September.

After making the first step in his recovery, Hart hopes to feature again tonight when the development side take on Team Solent and then be in the fold for Saturday’s home league clash with Paulton Rovers (3pm).

Steve Claridge’s men have won 15 out of 16 in all competitions and look to continue their play-off march, but Hart doesn’t expect to walk into the team.

“I’ve kept up with my CV but obviously running on the running machine is totally different to playing a football match,” said Hart. “It’s a different kind of fitness so it’s going to take a while to get back to the levels I want to but they can only be achieved by playing games.

“First and foremost it’s about getting the shoulder right, which is what I’m doing. I’m looking forward to playing now but not expecting to come straight back into the first team, I’ve got to fight for my place, like every player who is not playing has to do the same. I’ve got to train hard and hopefully I can add that little bit of experience into the back end of the season.”

Hart, who is on the coaching staff at Salisbury, bolsters Whites’ current defensive crisis.

His presence, alongside former teammate and loanee Brian Dutton, provides cover for the departed Kieran Parselle and Steve Walker as well as the injured Calum Brockway.

Before their returns, Elliot Wheeler was the only ‘natural’ centre-half and was being partnered by midfield skipper Kane O’Keefe.

“I’ve played in a back three in a back four loads of times. I’ll just be happy to play in any position, even if it’s goalkeeper, although saying that, it probably won’t be too good with my shoulder,” he joked.

“I like to think of myself as quite an intelligent defender, obviously your pace seems to go towards the back end of your career.

“At this level, you can gain an extra bit from forwards in front of you. Injuries aside, I’ve got a good three or four years left in me.”