But he is ready for action when Cov start pre-season training next week, and is confident he can move his career forward after a ringing endorsement from a leading sports injury specialist.

“I’m good friends with Austin Healey, and he gave me the number of a friend of his in Manchester who is the top guy specialising in wrist and forearm injuries – he works extensively with professional sportsmen and women, and is involved with Manchester United, Liverpool and other leading clubs,” said Jones, who had a long time out of the game with a spinal problem before starting back with Cov two seasons ago and winning England Counties honours.

“I went to see him for his opinion, and after looking at everything and doing some tests he said the surgeon had done a really good job and that I have nothing to worry about.

“That’s given me confidence and I’m looking forward to getting back into it and being ready for the beginning of the season.

“I’m always going to be a little restricted with it and not have full range of movement, but it won’t be a problem, and the more I do, the better it will get.”

Jones, who has made 34 appearances in his two seasons with Cov, was at the top of his form when the injury happened and he admits that it will feel like starting all over again.

“I felt I was playing well and it’s just unfortunate that I had the accident when I did,” he said. “It’s a bit like going back to square one, but it’s the same for a lot of the guys who have come into the squad – it’s a fresh start for a lot of people and not just me.

“I just want to get back to playing at the level I was at and keep pushing to improve from there. I think I can be fitter and stronger than before – with the back problem I had, I’m experienced enough to know not to put anything in front of my health, and I’m very happy now that I can go into it without any hesitation. I just want to forget what’s happened and concentrate in performing on the pitch.”

Cook Islands international Hayes, 35, returns to continue the coaching work he did with the backs last season while remaining a registered player, and Maddocks – limited to three games last season by a back problem after 23 appearances in his maiden campaign – is back to full fitness and has signed a new two-year contract.

n FORMER Coventry centre Donovan Sanders, who left the club when his contract expired at the end of last season, has signed for Jersey in National Three (London).

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