Cherries star Mark Molesley has described as “a dream come true” the prospect of finally ending a 15-month injury nightmare.

Molesley is hoping to negotiate a significant hurdle in his painstaking recovery by coming through a reserve outing at Exeter City tonight.

The midfielder, sidelined by a persistent foot problem, is expected to be given a 45-minute run-out in Cherries’ Football Combination clash at St James Park (7pm).

Molesley has admitted he feared his brief playing career in the professional ranks could have been over after he was initially struck down by the injury in September 2009.

But after overcoming a series of complications and undergoing major surgery in April to reconstruct his left foot, the Londoner is far more optimistic about his future.

Molesley, who made 10 appearances during Cherries’ promotion campaign, told the Daily Echo last night: “There were doubts about whether I would step on to the pitch again. I had a few setbacks and it was always at the back of my mind.

“The plan is to play 45 minutes against Exeter and then see how it responds. I am not counting my chickens just yet because it will be my first game and, the way things have gone, I have to take everything step by step.

“I have been training regularly since before Christmas but the acid test will come in full-scale matches. I have had a few niggles, which is to be expected after such a long spell out.

“For one reason or another, I have waited a while for a game. It has probably been a blessing in disguise because I have had a few minor niggles. I am just pleased to finally have a game pencilled in.

“It will be a good test to see exactly where I am.”

Molesley was also keen to offer a vote of thanks to those whom have helped during his lengthy rehabilitation, especially Cherries physio Steve Hard and Jon Magnusson, an Olympic athlete who is a clinical intern at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic.

Harry Arter, Joe Partington, Lyle Taylor, Danny Hollands and Stephen Purches are also in line to feature tonight, although Warren Cummings is away on compassionate leave.