RELEASED striker Andy Baird has vowed to bounce back and play in the Football League again.

The injury-jinxed 23-year-old is now talking to a couple of Ryman League clubs in a bid to rebuild his career.

He said: "I think I'll have to take a few steps down to take the step back up. But I will get back. I will play in the Football League again.

"I've missed most of the season through injury and I need to play games next year and when I'm doing that I will be able to get back in."

He added: "It's like starting again. But I will get there. I've done it before and I know I'm good enough to get back into the League."

Three years ago, Baird was attracting interest from Portsmouth and Bolton before a catalogue of injuries blighted his career.

The Scottish-born forward has made just 68 appearances since breaking into the first team in 1998.

Boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "I've just not seen enough of him. He's had terrible injuries since he's been here."

But Sanchez is backing him to come back again.

"It's not the end for him. If he can avoid injury, he can get himself another club. He has got some attributes but next season I've got to improve the squad and Andy hasn't made the progress I'd hoped."

April 25, 2002 15:00