Sussex batsman Tony Cottey's ten-month injury nightmare is over after he declared himself fit for the new season.

The 35-year-old played just one game in the county's promotion-winning campaign after he was diagnosed with tennis elbow.

But after four months recuperation following an operation last September, Cottey is back in the nets and feeling no ill-effects.

Now he wants to prove himself all over again after three frustrating seasons since joining from Glamorgan.

Cottey said: "The muscle still feels a bit sore but I expected that. Since I got the all-clear to pick up the bat again I've been spending two hours a day at a little club near Swansea with my Dad feeding the balls into a bowling machine.

"I'm really looking forward to the new season. I've never had a year out and it has changed my approach.

"It made me think how lucky I am to still be playing the game and I'm hungry for that to continue for a while yet."

Cottey scored a modest 780 and 740 Championship runs in his first two seasons with the county and admits it is payback time.

He added: "I've let a few people down at Sussex who have always backed me, I've not done myself justice and it's time I repaid some of the faith that people showed in me by having a bumper year."

Sussex decided not to sign a high-profile middle order batsman during the close season because of Cottey's return and skipper Chris Adams is delighted to have the Welshman back on board.

Adams insists Cottey will have to fight for his place following the emergence of Bas Zuiderent and Michael Yardy in the middle order last summer.

"I can't say at this stage whether TC is an automatic selection and he wouldn't expect me to say that either," said Adams.

"Statistically he hasn't really performed for us yet, but people should remember the wider picture.

"On the field and in the dressing room he has been brilliant, especially with the younger players.

"It's over to him now. He's got nothing to lose because there won't be so much pressure on him and it could be a defining year for him.

"If he has a solid season it's not inconceivable that he could be offered an extension to his contract."

Jason Lewry starts his benefit year with a launch lunch at the Brighton Metropole on Friday, March 1. Guest speaker is former England spinner Geoff Miller.

Tickets are £35 and are available from Lewry's benefit office on 01273 273876.