Simon Jones confident of regaining fitness

Simon Jones is confident he will be fit for the 2010 county season and is on the lookout for a new contract after being released by Worcestershire last week. Jones missed the ongoing season because of a knee injury after taking 42 wickets at 18.02 during his first year at New Road.

"I am so confident at the moment with the way the winter is going to go. I know I will be fit next year," Jones told the Guardian. "That is a definite thing in my eyes. I've just got to prove my fitness - and I know I will. I got 42 wickets for nothing really last season."

Despite that success Worcestershire decided they did not want to invest further in such an injury-prone cricketer and said Jones was "free to talk to any other county about his future". Jones, however, was hopeful about his chances.

"My knee just needs time. It just needs rest. If I rest, do some weight-bearing stuff and just keep ticking over, then I'll be fine," he said. "The cartilage is looking good. It is just the bone underneath that needs a bit more time. Next season is nine months away. I've got plenty of time.

"He [Jones' doctor] is really happy with the knee. It was just unfortunate that I couldn't do anything playing-wise this year. I've had check-ups. I only go and see the specialist if there is something wrong. He has to have a look at things and assess risks but there is no swelling at all. I've looked after myself in the gym as I always do and it is ticking over."

Jones' former county, Glamorgan, whom he represented for 12 years, is reportedly interested in signing the fast bowler.