BURY’s longest-serving player Craig Jones is hoping to be back to full fitness before the end of the season.

The full-back has suffered with injuries this term, tearing his thigh muscle against MK Dons in September before pulling the same muscle “off the bone” against Bristol Rovers in December.

But now the Welshman has begun his rehab and has his sights set on the final few matches of the campaign.

“It’s coming along well,” Jones told the Bury Times. “I was disappointed when it happened after just getting back fit. It was a bit of a blow.

“I had initially done my thigh and I thought it was the same injury again but it wasn’t. The muscle has actually come away from the bone.

“It was more serious than the last one and I am back working hard with the physios now and I’m seeing a specialist every few weeks as well.

“I’m back on the bike and doing basic stuff at the minute. I’m looking to get back playing before the end of the season, which would be great if it could happen.”

Jones has made 140 appearances for the Shakers over a five-year period but with his contract due up at the end of the season he is keen to further extend his stay.

Full-blooded sliding tackles are a typical trait of the full-back, who plays with his heart on his sleeve. But despite over-exerting himself this campaign, Jones says he will not be holding back in the future.

“It was a full-blooded tackle (that got me injured) but that’s just me as a player,” he said. “I have always been that way and I probably don’t help myself sometimes with some of the way I go into challenges, but I usually time most of them quite well.

“I have never been suspended so I am doing something right.”

The 29-year-old remains in good spirits despite having to watch on as his team-mates struggled during a club-record 20-game winless run.

He added: “I’m not the best watcher. It’s difficult to take because if you see your mates out there struggling you want to try to do what you can to help.

“I’ve even travelled to away games and stayed overnight just to be around the squad. I’m not playing, but the things that are happening still affect me because I’m still part of the club.

“I have spoken to the manager and the chairman. I want to be a part of the club’s future and they are happy with that.”