WES Thomas says for the first time in his career he cannot wait for pre-season.

While the other Oxford United players have been enjoying their summer break after a mammoth 62-game season, the striker has been working hard.

And he hopes that when the squad report back for the first day of training today, he can be ahead of the game.

The 30-year-old, who joined from Birmingham City last summer, made only 13 appearances for the U’s before his season was cut short by injury in November.

A ruptured Achilles tendon saw him basically unable to move for two months, before his long road to recovery could start in earnest.

Thomas began light running just before the end of the season. But has spent the last few months putting his body through its paces to ensure he is in the best-possible condition when the whole United squad report back today.

“I actually can’t wait for pre-season,” he said.

“I have never said that before and have never been excited to do pre-season, but this year I can’t wait.”

He added: “I have already had my break, so didn’t need another one.

“It’s just been a case of working really hard to get myself in the best condition possible.”

Thomas is determined to return with a substantial advantage over the other players, having used the off-season to focus on regaining full fitness.

The striker is hoping to steal a march on the other squad members, and is aiming to be well out in front when the first pre-season training session gets under way this morning.

“I just need to get as fit as possible so I am raring to go,” he said.

“I don’t want to come back and be in the same position as before. I have to come back and be in a much better position than the others.

“I want to prove to people I deserve to be in the team and want to be ahead of the others, certainly not behind them.

“I have worked hard to hopefully make sure that happens.”