MARK Molesley vowed that his best years were still ahead of him after targeting a return to the Cherries midfield.

The injury-plagued Cherries star is determined to win back his place as he bids to make up for lost time.

Sidelined for 17 months by a persistent foot injury, Molesley has made just 14 appearances in the past two campaigns.

Cherries’ League One form, an ankle problem and a lack of match fitness restricted Molesley’s involvement at the back end of last season, but he is desperate to press his claims next term.

Danny Hollands’s switch to Charlton Athletic has created an opening in central midfield and Molesley would love to be the man to fill the engine room void.

Asked about his targets for the 2011-12 season, he told the Echo: “Trying to force my way into the team is the first thing I have got to look at.

“We have just had some fitness tests and I am in quite good nick for my age. I am 30 but I don’t feel it.

“I came into the professional game late and have missed a couple of seasons now. I am hoping I can add those seasons on at the back end of my career.

“I definitely think my best years are ahead of me and I am determined to make sure that is the case.”

Molesley, who turned 30 in March, joined Cherries after spending his career in the non-league ranks, having initially been drafted in on loan from Grays by Jimmy Quinn.

The all-action midfielder quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite and, having shrugged off his injury worries, was handed a new contract in February, tying him to the club until summer 2013.

Focused Molesley is now hoping his problems are at an end.

He added: “I am glad the season is over and I am looking forward to next season, a fresh start and starting on a level playing field with everyone else.

“The summer will be a balancing act for me.

“I will be speaking to Louis Langdown (Cherries’ conditioning coach) and will be working alongside him, trying to get myself fit and strong.

“But I will also be giving a rest to a few of the injuries I’ve had, like my foot and my ankle. It is a case of getting good rest but also doing enough to make sure I’m fit and ready.”