Weymouth defender Jamie Impey has told of his frustration at being forced to sit out of his side's unbeaten start to the season.

The 24-year-old suffered a back injury in a warm-up game at Bashley a fortnight ago but hopes to have recovered in time for the Terras clash with Dr Martens Premier Division favourites Nuneaton Borough at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday.

Impey, son of former Wessex Stadium boss John, said: "Things were going very well for me personally over pre-season when I got the injury. I'd just been given a contract by

manager Steve Claridge and I was really settling down and looking forward to the start of the season.

"Then came that game at Bashley when I came on as substitute and had only been on for ten minutes or so when I landed really awkwardly.

"I felt my back go straight away and I was in quite considerable pain for quite a while. It turned out I'd torn a muscle. I've always had a few twinges in my back over the years because of my height but this was the first time anything like this had happened.

"It has been so frustrating missing the start of the season because everyone is really eager to impress Steve and the club is a great place to be around. I'm confident in my own ability and I know I can do a good job for the side but now it's up to me to get fit and earn a place in the side again."

Impey, who joined the Terras on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season and has previously had a stint with Dorchester, said he hoped he would be fit to be named in the squad for this weekend's clash with many tipsters' favourites

"I'd love to be back for that one because that is going to be a really big game. The win against Newport on Tuesday has set us up nicely and hope-fully we'll have another big crowd in because the players really appreciate the support.

He added: "I've been having lots of treatment with our physio Roger Hoare over the last few weeks and if he says Saturday is too early for me, I'll accept his decision. At the moment, I'm probably 50/50 to be ready for that one although the game at Tiverton on Monday is probably a more realistic target for me."

Claridge is also sweating on the fitness of midfielder Lee Philpott, who missed the Newport game with a thigh strain, and goal hero Ian Hutchinson who hobbled off against the Welshmen with a swollen ankle.

Philpott is likely to have recovered in time to be named in the squad, but major doubts surround Hutchinson.