YORK City Ladies goalkeeper Chloe Precious insists she is "keeping positive" on the long road to recovery following serious injury.

The highly-rated shot-stopper was 20 minutes into her Minsterbelles comeback after rejoining the club in the summer when she tore an anterior cruciate ligament as she collected a corner during a pre-season outing against Newcastle United.

Precious - who had returned to the club from Women's Premier League neighbours Bradford City - will now spend the rest of 2018 battling back to fitness in order to finally resume her playing career alongside her "best mates".

She explained: "Since my operation on November 28, it's been tough but I am getting there.

"Physio every week at Nuffield and seeing Laura at LAM Sports Therapy has helped so much with my recovery.

"My knee is still hurting a lot. I have my first appointment with my consultant Neil Hunt on January 17, so fingers crossed for me.

"I am keeping positive and cannot wait to be back between the sticks.

"After having a year out after playing at Bradford to concentrate on my studies, I was absolutely raring to go.

"My best friends play at York and have supported me playing at Bradford, but it was time to go home to York.

"I couldn't commit to a higher league team due to working full-time, part-time studying for my PGCE and doing my UEFA 'B' (licence) – it was simply too much.

"I've always enjoyed playing at York and I said if I didn't sign for them I wouldn't play anymore. I had started snowboarding and golfing."

But after finally completing her ideal move back to Haxby Road over the summer and looking forward to the campaign ahead, Precious lined up for the Belles' opening pre-season run-out in July - in what was to prove only a very brief return.

She recalled: "In the first pre-season game against Newcastle, about 20 minutes in, I went up to collect a corner and 'snap' - I ended up in a pile on the floor.

"My heart sank. It's the worst feeling in the world.

"I've never really had a super serious injury before apart from an ongoing shoulder one, so it hit me hard.

"I am keen and hopeful to be back playing in December. It's a long recovery but I'm sure it'll be worth it. I can't wait to run, let alone play football with my best mates.

"My family and friends have been super supportive throughout. Unfortunately as a whole team we've been hit badly with injuries this season. It's such a shame, as we have a quality line-up.

"Hopefully next season it will be our season."