Waide Fairhurst: Torquay United striker nearing full fitness

Waide Fairhurst has made just two substitute appearances for Torquay United

Torquay United striker Waide Fairhurst is nearing full fitness, according to manager Kevin Nicholson.

The former Macclesfield and Lincoln City forward, 26, joined the Gulls in the summer but has not played since August after suffering a knee injury.

"He goes to St George's Park next week and when he gets back he'll be available to train," said Nicholson.

"We'll have to build him into games and get him some fitness, but he'll be like a new signing when he's fit."

Torquay will hope Fairhurst can help them out of trouble, with the Gulls in the relegation places in the National League having won just three of their 19 games this season.

And the Torquay boss hopes Fairhurst's time at England's training ground will get him ready for the rest of the season.

"He's gone through most of what he needs to now, the knee's looking good," he told BBC Sport. "But it's that final bit of twice-a-day training, specialised for him while he's up there.

"They're great facilities and it's probably good for him just to get away from here and freshen up a little bit, ready to come back and contribute."