Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Matt Jarvis is hoping history will not repeat itself this pre-season and he will be able to form the much-anticipated double wing threat with Michael Kightly during the coming campaign.
The 22-year-old was recruited from Gillingham last summer to compliment Kightly’s attacking guile on the flanks and to form a two-pronged attack for Wanderers but he picked up a hip injury during the first game of the pre-season tour of Ireland.
By the time he was ready to return, Kightly had picked up an ankle injury at West Bromwich Albion in November that would keep him out for most of the season and would eventually require surgery.
The duo were eventually able to take to the field together during the final few games of the season and now Jarvis is determined to fulfil that promise this season.
He said: “It was great news that Kights signed a new contract this summer. We only had a couple of games together towards the end of last season so fingers crossed we’ll both be starting this time on the opposite wings. It’s a prospect we’d both be looking forward to.
“Perhaps we should have scored more goals last season and that’s something myself and Kights would like to help out with. Hopefully we can provide some decent crosses for the strikers and get some goals ourselves to make a difference.”
Jarvis revealed that pre-season training at Compton had been going well so far. He added: “It’s been a good start, easing us in. It’s been hard some days and a bit easier on others as everyone starts to work towards fitness.
“Last season was a nightmare when I got injured in the second friendly. Fingers crossed this year I can have a good full pre-season which then leads into a full injury-free season as well – that’s certainly what I’m hoping for.
“Getting that good pre-season is so important because it gives you that stamina base to last the whole campaign. I had the injury last season but managed to play a lot more over the second half of the season and that’s what I’m hoping to carry into this campaign.
“If you’ve come through pre-season training then it’s almost just a case of ticking along but if you don’t you end up playing catch-up the whole time like I was last season. Hopefully this year will be different and I will be flying for the whole campaign.”
Burnley have signed Dutch midfielder Remco van der Schaaf on a three-year deal following his release from Vitesse Arnhem.
The former Holland Under-21 international, now 29, has had two spells with Arnhem and spent three years with PSV Eindhoven.
Charlton Athletic have handed a trial to Team Bath striker Sean Canham. The 41-goal former Exeter forward will get a run-out during tonight’s opening pre-season friendly at Bromley.
