SKIPPER Mark Jermyn has earmarked the visit of Boreham Wood for his long-awaited return from injury.

The influential captain has missed the last four fixtures after damaging the medial ligament in his knee during the 3-2 win over high-flying Welling almost three weeks ago.

And with the Magpies reeling from three successive defeats, the 30-year-old is keen to regain his place in the heart of midfield.

However, Jermyn believes he will not be back in action until the Blue Square Bet South clash with Wood on October 22.

He told Echosport: “I have given myself a target of being ready for selection on October 22. It’s all about how my body recovers but generally I have not had too many injuries in my career so far, so hopefully I can move on pretty quickly with this one.

“I don’t want to do myself any long-term damage though, as I still think I’ve got a few more years in me yet and I don’t want to put that at risk.

“I’ll know when I’m ready to play but I do want to get back as quick as I can to help the lads out.”

Further motivation comes from the thought that Jermyn will become the club’s record appearance holder after his next 43 outings – following a recent readjustment in Trevor Townsend’s career stats.

Jermyn, who has made 505 appearances thus far, added: “I don’t really know how the change came about but I don’t mind as it means I have a chance of getting close to the record.

“It’s a shame I’ve missed games through injury but hopefully I will get another contract at the end of the season to try and break the record.

“I’m more concerned with getting back to fitness at the moment as I just want to be playing. It’s great to have personal achievements but we need more achievements on the pitch.”

With that in mind, the county town leader is desperate to see his team-mates exact revenge this weekend when they host Weston-super-Mare in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup – a week after losing 3-1 to the Seagulls in league action.

He said: “I know it’s important to concentrate on the league but for me the FA Cup is a bigger game because it’s a potential money spinner.

“Every season that goes by I hope we go on a good run like the one in 2000 when we played Wigan and 2008 when we played Oxford United.

“We lost to Weston last week but it might be a good thing for Saturday. Those who played will want to put in a better performance as they know they have got to do better. Hopefully getting hammered by Weston will spur us on.”

* Boss Ashley Vickers has denied claims on Poole Town’s official website that the Magpies made an unsuccessful seven-day approach for defender Marvin Brooks.

* Dorchester Town Reserves entertain Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the Avenue Stadium tonight (7.45pm).