Port Vale striker Hector Sam is hoping to be back in action for Christmas and has set his heart on joining Chris Birchall in the Trinidad and Tobago squad for the World Cup finals in Germany next summer.
The 27-year-old broke his leg in the Carling Cup defeat at Rotherham on August 23, but will step up his recovery by beginning light training next week. The striker last played for his country in the World Cup qualifier in Mexico in June and feels he has every chance of being selected by Trinidad's former Real Madrid and Holland coach Leo Beenhakker if he proves his form and fitness in the second half of Vale's season.
The former Wrexham forward only made three substitute appearances for the Valiants before his leg break and is determined to play his part in helping Martin Foyle's side push for promotion in the second half of the season.
He said: "The leg feels all right, I'm having a jog next week and should be all right from there. I have to strengthen my hamstring and calves, so will maybe be back at Christmas.
"I have something to look forward to now and I just hope I can help get Vale into the play-offs at least."
Sam's international team-mate Birchall was back at Vale Park yesterday morning, to the delight of Foyle, who had initially criticised the Trinidad and Tobago FA as he mistakenly believed they had flown the winger back to the Caribbean for World Cup celebrations.