COMEBACK man Mark Molesley admits he has to prove himself all over again as he edges closer to an eagerly awaited return.

The popular midfielder has entered the next stage of his painstaking battle to overcome injury by participating in full training with his Cherries team-mates.

He has been sidelined for more than a year due to a persistent foot problem and recently saw the big freeze halt his progress.

But with a brief respite from the worst of the weather as the ground thawed and the temperatures went up, Molesley handed injury-hit Cherries a boost by joining in with the squad during the past week.

Having been a key player prior to suffering the injury, the former non-league star is desperate to pull on a Cherries shirt once again.

And Molesley admitted he would have a point to prove when he steps out on the pitch after his lengthy absence.

He told the Echo: “I’m just waiting for a reserve fixture – it’s all about proving myself again now. It feels like I’m starting over again so I’ve got a lot to prove.

“But I can’t be too hard on myself – it’s going to take time. I’ve been out for a while but, hopefully, the future is looking a little bit better for 2011.

“Hopefully, I’ll have a little bit more lady luck on my side this year. I’ve definitely had my fair share of lows but I haven’t given up yet and I’m fighting hard.”

Outlining the step up in his routine, he said: “I managed to train a couple of times last week, which was fantastic.

“I trained okay, really enjoyed it, and stood up all right in it.

“I was in there fully a couple of times last week and trained at the start of this week as well. We’re due another cold snap so I don’t know what’s going to happen then – it’s been a little bit stop start so far – but hopefully we’re getting somewhere.

“I’m just waiting for some reserve team games now, which is easier said than done with the tight fixture schedule. Not many people want to sort out a game over Christmas.”

Molesley admitted returning to training felt great.

He added: “If I sit back and think about it, it’s fantastic being back out there training. I feel like I’ve got my life back a little bit.

“It’s definitely been a difficult time for me but I’m just concentrating on being positive and trying to do the right things to get myself back out there and in with a shout of trying to get in the squad.”

Cherries’ visit to Rochdale this afternoon was postponed due to a frozen pitch after a 10.30am inspection at Spotland yesterday morning.