Jamie Allen is eager to show Dover Athletic what they were missing last season after a long spell on the sidelines.

Allen suffered a hip labral tear after making just 12 appearances in the National League last season and scored one goal.

The 23-year-old was then out for the rest of the season while he recovered from the injury.

Allen said: “It was frustrating as I was just finding my feet in the team. It’s every footballer’s worst nightmare to get injured and for it to be for such a long time was even more frustrating.

“You just have to deal with it and work hard in the gym and I’m ready to go again.

“It’s in an area where not a lot of blood supply gets to so it needed sorting out. I’ve been doing rehabilitation and gym work and can’t wait to get started.”

Both Allen and Tobi Sho-Silva spent large parts of the 2017-18 season on the sidelines. They both were able to help each other through the injuries to be ready for this season.

Allen said: “It’s a big deal-breaker when you are out for that long and a lot of people could just give up. Being in the gym doing rehabilitation is a long process but it has to be done.

“I think both Tobi and I helped each other through that process. You learn a lot about yourself and about your own character. Both Tobi and I have been through that together and we are both raring to go.”

Allen had to watch as Whites missed out on a place in the National League play-off places by goal difference.

He added: “The past few season have been very similar in just missing out. We missed out on goal difference perhaps due to a lack of experience.

“We could have managed the games better but I’m sure we won’t make the same mistakes this season.

“The gaffer and Jake (Leberl) have shown they can put a good team together and I’m sure they will do the same this season.

“Every forward player wants to get goals. More importantly I want the team to do well and anything else is a bonus.”