by Andrew Gidley

Ashley Shaw believes he is winning his latest fitness battle but refuses to set a date for a return to action.

The 21-year-old left arm seamer underwent a second operation on a long-term shin-splints problem three months ago, and is now working hard on his rehab.

The problem has dogged Shaw's progress since he signed a two-year contract with the county in 2010,

His personal highlight so far was the five-wicket haul against Derbyshire on his championship debut in May last season, and the Crewe-born youngster wants to experience more days like that.

Shaw (pictured) admitted: "It's hard to pinpoint when I will be back, and I am setting no dates. It's a case of gradually getting myself fit, and being ready to cope with the day-to-day demands of county cricket.

"I don't want to rush things, and end up missing more games further down the line.

"It's been frustrating, but the problem is down to the way my legs function, and brought on by the workload, adjusting from club to professional cricket."

He now hopes all the hard work gets it's eventual reward adding: "I am in the gym for two or three hours, five or six days a week, and our physio Nimmo (Reid) has given me a programme to work on, which includes things I can also do at home."

Shaw who shares a flat in Canterbury with team-mate Alex Blake, is staying involved with the squad. He said: "I have watched all the games with the coach (Jimmy Adams) and doing what I can to help the other lads prepare."

Shaw's present deal runs out at the end of the season, but his focus at the moment is on just playing again.

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