CONCORD Rangers are giving a trial to former pro Craig Dobson, as he looks to return to the game following a career-threatening knee injury.

The 29-year-old Jamaica international has not played since damaging an anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Kettering in August 2011.

The speedy winger, who started on the books at Crystal Palace and had his most successful spell at Stevenage, where he helped win the FA Trophy under current Thurrock boss Mark Stimson, is looking to impress Conference South new-boys Concord.

Concord manager Danny Cowley said: “He can play on either wing and has good pedigree. He’s not played for a long time but we’ll try to get him fit because he wants to start playing again, and we know there is a very good player in there.”

Cowley is still looking to add a striker to his squad and says it’s still a possibility they will bring in Dagenham & Redbridge marksman Alex Osborn, who had a fruitful spell on loan with Billericay Town last season.

“We’re hoping to find a compromise with Dagenham over the deal,” said Cowley.

“Alex would fit perfectly into our squad, but the deal needs to fit our wage structure.”

And there was good news for the club this week with news that double-leg break victim Harry Elmes is on course to start straight line jogging at the end of pre-season.

The striker suffered the injury in a match with Thurrock in February, and Cowley confirmed he is on course to make a remarkable return to action within 10 months.

Cowley said: “We’re lucky as a club to benefit from the skills of Ross Poyton, a chartered physiotherapist who works with the club as a consultant.

“We hope to possibly have Harry back playing again by Christmas, which would be incredible giving the injury he had.

“And if we could get even half a season out of Harry that would be massive for us. He is such a big part of this club and so important to how we play, and him coming back could make the difference between whether or not we stay up next season.”

The Beachboys will hold their first pre-season training session tonight, and Cowley says it is going to be “hard” for his returning players.

He said: “We try to improve the quality of our pre-season every year in terms of sports science and fitness. And to be ready to make the step up to Conference football that will certainly be the case again.”