TOM Soares is expected to be fit for the start of the season, Dorchester Town boss Robbie Herrera has revealed.

Former Premier League midfielder Soares, 34, has picked up two slight knocks in pre-season and the Magpies have exercised caution over their prize asset.

Ex-Crystal Palace and Stoke man Soares will marshal the centre of the park for Dorchester this season.

Speaking after the 5-2 loss to Weymouth, Dorchester’s final summer warm-up, Herrera admitted Soares is likely to recover fully soon.

He told Echosport: “Tom took the knock last Tuesday, which is a miss for us because he calms everyone down on the pitch, which we can’t do from the sidelines.

“We’re hopeful he’ll be back and he’ll take some part in training or possibly later on.

“Touching wood, and all being well, he’ll be fit for the start of the season.”

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Dorchester begin their Pitching In Southern League Premier South campaign at home to Beaconsfield Town on Saturday, August 14.