Striker David McNiven has finally returned to Stafford – now manager Steve Bull is urging him to fight his way into the team.

The 30-year-old has been absent for nearly the whole of the first two weeks of pre-season training but returned this week to join the rest of the squad.

One of the highest paid players at Marston Road, the situation has become of much annoyance to the club, who are preparing for a promotion push in the Blue Square North after relegation last term.

After a fortnight of mystery, Bull pointed to a breakdown in communication as the main reason for his absence.

The manager is also keen to point out that the door is not closed for McNiven – if he gets himself fit.

He said: “It has been a strange situation because I had not met David until this week. I need to have a proper talk with him to see where we stand.

“He needs to get himself at the same fitness levels as the rest of the squad, which will be hard as they have a fortnight’s head start on him.

“These next few weeks I will be able to have a good look at him. If he shows me what he can do, there is no reason why he can’t be involved come start of the season.

“But he is still employed by this football club and I expect him to be there when we play Farsley on August 9, whether he is playing or not.”

The curtain raiser against Farsley at Marston Road will be of added significance to the manager.

The last time the two sides met last season in the Blue Square Premier last season, the visitors inflicted defeat on Bull in his first home game in charge.

McNiven may also be up for the clash – he finished last season on loan at Throstle Nest and his twin brother Scott still plays for them.

Bull said: “We owe Farsley one. I do prefer to start the season at home. With a good crowd behind us, it could really set us up for the season.

“We play Wolves in a pre-season friendly on the previous Tuesday, so hopefully they will be back in force on the Saturday to cheer us on.”

“I cannot wait for the season to start. Me and the players are raring to go. All we want to do is get started now.”