Harrogate Town striker Mark Beck closing in on return to action

The 25-year-old striker has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury sustained in training the day before his side’s 3-1 defeat at Sutton United on November 30.

And, whether he is able to play at Meadow Park this weekend or not, Beck wants to make up for lost time when he does eventually return to action and help his side negotiate a hectic stage of the season that will see them play five times in the space of just 15 days.

“I’m almost there,” he said.

“I’m not sure about Saturday, it might be too soon. We’ll see how I get on in training on Friday and if I come through the fitness test.

“On Tuesday I was up to 90 per cent, so I’m not too far off, however I need to be 100 per cent if I want to be involved.

“It’s a small grade one tear in my hamstring, and it’s been nearly three weeks now, so that’s enough time. Obviously I want to get back playing as quickly as possible, but we’ll just have to see.

“Christmas is a massively important period of the season so I’m keen to try and help the team pick up the points that will keep us pushing for a top-three place.”

Beck has netted six times so far this term and his form has seen him establish himself as manager Simon Weaver’s go-to option at the top end of the pitch.

Thus, the timing of his injury has left him frustrated, though he concedes that even this particular cloud has a silver lining.

“Of course it is frustrating when you’re out of the team because you can’t effect anything on the pitch and I was pretty happy with how I was playing,” he added.

“Personally, I thought that I was playing as well as I have done for a long time.

“If you’re looking for a positive I suppose you could say that it’s allowed me to have a bit of a rest before a really busy period of the season.

“I did have a couple knocks that I’ve been carrying. I’ve had a swollen knee since the Bromley game and it’s been swelling up every time I’ve tried to do anything.

"That’s settled down now and I do feel fresher and ready to go again when I get my chance.”