Saxelby in tune

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Gloucestershire seamer Ian Saxelby is confident of being fully fit for the start of the season after some niggling shoulder problems this winter.

The 23-year-old has experienced more discomfort from his right shoulder, which he dislocated twice before surgery that saw him miss the entire 2010 season.

But Saxelby is now optimistic that the latest setbacks are behind him and is also pleased that the knee trouble which caused him to miss the end of last season has settled down.

Gloucestershire seam bowler Ian Saxelby said: "I did have a bit of a niggle in my right shoulder, but ... everything feels fine."

"I did have a bit of a niggle in my right shoulder, but I have just come back from a week's holiday, getting a bit of sun, and everything feels fine,” he told Gloucestershire’s website.

"Before I went away I did some work with the physio and I hope to be back all guns blazing within a week or so.

"I don't think the problem was anything to worry about and I expect to be strong going into outside nets and the pre-season games.

"Because of the injuries I have had with my shoulder there may always be niggles with it, but I can deal with that and I'm looking forward to being fully fit and ready for the start of the season.

"My knee feels fine and there is no particular discomfort to report. Again there is the odd niggle, but nothing I can't cope with.

"I'll know more when I start running and bowling outside, but I'm optimistic I will come through that okay and be ready for the opening games.

"The knee has stood up to the winter programme set for me so at the moment it looks like the decision to postpone surgery was the right one.

"Once you get outside you feel your way back into your run-up. Then, with the season a couple of weeks away, you have to operate flat-out, as you would in the opening game.

"By then I hope to be fully switched on because with the squad we have there is going to fierce competition for places, which should drive us all forward in the pre-season matches."

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