BRENDAN Pearson insists his recent injury problems are behind him as the goalkeeper looks to kick on next season.

The shotstopper joined the Ton in January after being a free agent following his departure from South Shields in 2018.

The 22-year-old had several injury-plagued years at Newcastle United, struggling with patella tendonitis – a serious knee condition which left him sidelined for almost two years.

Pearson overcame that, but suffered another blow earlier this year when he damaged his ankle ligaments, which ruled him out for just over a month.

The goalkeeper says he’s been working hard even while on holiday to ensure he hits the ground running at pre-season and stake his claim for the number one jersey.

He told the Tele: “The ankle has been fine. I was out for about four or five weeks with that at the start but for the last four or five reserve games there were no problems.

“I’m feeling the fittest I’ve felt right now in a couple of years, so I feel good.

“I’m 100 per cent confident in my own ability.

“I’ve worked hard the last few months to get myself fit, the four or five months with the reserves

“I’ve been working hard in the off-season to prepare for what’s to come next season.”