HAYES and Yeading skipper Mark Bentley is unlikely to rush himself back for Saturday's trip to Mansfield Town.
The 34-year-old midfielder has not played since the FA Trophy first round knockout at the hands of Hampton and Richmond on December 10 as he has been struggling with a hamstring injury.
And the former Gillingham man does not want to risk missing crucial games during Hayes and Yeading's relegation run-in by coming back too soon.
"I have always been one to block out the pain, but I do not want to be putting myself back in and then missing five or six games," he said. "It is difficult with a hamstring injury. I have never done it before and it is the first time I have had it in my career.
"When I first done it I thought it was just a little bit tight, but I must have done more damage than I thought. I have been doing light running to build the strength up in my hamstring and I am working on it every day to get back.
"I am looking forward to coming back as we have a few new lads and a lot of competition for places. I do not want to be out much longer and find it hard to get back into the team."
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