EXPERIENCED Salisbury defender Callum Hart is targeting a return to competitive action next month after an infuriating time on the sidelines.

The Welshman has been out of action since dislocating his left shoulder on a summer holiday.

He underwent a successful operation in September and is meeting the surgeon in the next few weeks where he hopes to get the green light to play.

Hart says he can start training and make his return mid-February which would be his first competitive match since Whites lifted the Sydenhams Wessex Premier title in May.

“It’s always frustrating not playing but I’m learning the coaching side as well so if there is a bonus to come out of it it’s learning the game from a different point of view,” Hart told JournalSport.

“I previously had a knee injury which kept me out for 18 months and I’ve also suffered hamstring strains from that. I haven’t had a run of games for a long time now.

“I think this season the team has had a few injuries and it’s been frustrating. There’s nothing worst for the manager when that happens.”

The club stalwart has been hampered by knocks and niggles throughout his career, which spans over 12 years. But despite the recent setbacks, Hart, who turned 31 last month, insists he won’t be hanging up his boots anytime soon. He added: “If the shoulder goes to plan and I get the rehab done properly, I think I’ve got another three or four years.”

“You can lose a bit of pace but I like to think I read the game quite well as a defender. And as long as you have about half a yard ahead of you then it’s not too bad.

“It’s frustrating with injuries and if the shoulder did come out again then you would have to, obviously, make sure that’s okay and maybe think of it. But, for now, I want to keep positive.”

Hart is also a full-time coach at Steve Claridge Football Foundation, defensive coach for Salisbury and runs a soccer school with best friend, and ex-Salisbury City colleague, Brian Dutton.