ADAM Hinshelwood has to prove his fitness to Wanderers to earn himself a new contract after breaking down on the first day of pre-season training.

The centre back captained Blues in the second half of last season, after signing from Aldershot in the January transfer window, but a recurring knee injury could jeopardise his future at Adams Park.

He said: “As far as I know I’m staying, and I want to stay, but I need to prove my fitness after my injuries.

“I’ve had a problem during pre-season. I’m not sure if it’s bad news or not.”

Waddock was able to sign Hinshelwood on a free transfer from the Shots because of the defender’s injury record.

He was sidelined for four weeks with knee trouble in February and also missed the tail end of the season with a similar complaint.

When he did play though, he was inspirational at the back and Waddock made him his captain.

However, his contract only lasted until July 1.

A new deal has yet to be signed and Hinshelwood was not assigned a number when the squad lists were released on Wednesday– although the number four shirt has not been handed out yet.

Waddock said: “He's not under contract, so what's the point of giving him a squad number if nothing happens?

“There’s no hitch, he's not talking to anyone else and we'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

“We’re still talking, and it’s always positive when you're talking to players.”

Hinshelwood was back at the club last Tuesday for the start of pre-season training, but swelling in his knee forced him out and the he must now see his surgeon to discuss the next step.

He said: “My knee swelled up on the first day back. There was no contact, it was just from running.

“I’m not sure if I need surgery or not.”

A fitness doubt appears to be the only stumbling block though, with Hinshelwood saying everything else is all-but agreed.

He said: “We’ve pretty much done it. I’ve just got to see what the surgeon says.”