by Michael Baggaley

STOKE defender Andrew Davies is hoping to end his six-month injury nightmare by forcing his way into Tony Pulis's plans for the home game with Hull City in nine days' time.

The 23-year-old has yet to make his City debut since signing from Southampton for £1.2m in August.

But he is close to returning to the squad having been given the all-clear after knee injury.

Davies, who can play at right-back or in central defence, is aiming to play in Monday's reserve game at Tottenham.

If all goes well, he then hopes to be considered for a place on the bench against Hull.

Davies said: "I have been training since the middle of last week and everything has felt fine.

"Hopefully, I will be able to play in the reserves and, if I get through that, I could maybe even push for a place in the squad for the Hull game.

"With two weeks' full training and 90 minutes of football under my belt, it is possible I could be involved."

Davies's return will give manager Tony Pulis welcome strength in depth in defence in the run up to the busy Christmas schedule.

Davies, who was Southampton's player-of-the-year last season, has been recovering from a knee operation he had while still a Saints player.

He had a minor second knee operation on October 20, and was relieved to be told he has made a full recovery.

He said: "It is a massive weight off my mind. It has been the most frustrating time of my career.

"I had possibly the best season of my career at Southampton and I am ready to push on and play in the Premier League."

Although he has been a frustrated spectator, Davies says he has been impressed with his new team. He added: "I think we are doing well. If we keep winning our home games, we will be fine.

"We are causing teams problems with the long throw, but we are not just about that.

"In training I can see a lot of ability in the squad as well as a very good spirit.

"The atmosphere in the ground for those home games has been fantastic.

"I think the big question now will be what the fans are like if we start getting beaten in the odd home game. That will bring out their true colours to see if they stick with us."

RICARDO Fuller's World Cup dream is over for another four years after Jamaica failed to progress to the second stage of CONCACAF qualifying for South Africa 2010.

The Reggae Boyz beat Canada 3-0 last night in Kingston, but Mexico lost 1-0 to Honduras ... meaning Jamaica went out on goal difference.