CANVEY Island striker Tony Stokes said he felt a goal rush was just around the corner as he well and truly ended his recent injury torment with a hat-trick in the Ryman League Cup.

Stokes hit three of Canvey’s six goals against Great Wakering Rovers on Tuesday night, with the Gulls winning 6-1, after suffering with a tear in his hip for much of the summer.

But Stokes says he is back and ready to help Canvey push on in the league and cup competitions this season.

“I feel it has been coming as I have worked so hard over four months of the injury,” said Stokes, 29. “I am in great shape and getting the goals felt really good too.

“Between last four games of last season I had a little niggle in the groin but I thought the summer break would make it better. Once pre-season started I saw a consultant and he said I had a tear in my hip.

“But I had an injection and I have strengthened the area at the gym recently so I feel in control.

“I have said to the management team how good I have been feeling but (Martin) Tuohy and Syksey (George Sykes) have been doing really well.

“I haven’t complained but have bided my time and was happy to score the winner in the FA Cup and the three goals in the League Cup.

“In fact, if you add up all my minutes this season I have four goals in under two games which I am really pleased with.”