AFTER more false starts than an Olympic 100m final Ryan Burge is hoping to finally get his Newport County AFC career off and running, writes Andrew Penman.

The highly-rated midfielder arrived at Rodney Parade as a free agent in August but has had only six minutes of competitive action for County so far.

That late cameo off the bench in the 1-1 draw at home to Mansfield Town was followed by a behind-closed-doors friendly against Cardiff University when he picked up a calf injury.

Burge has been an unused substitute but has not got on the pitch since September and after several setbacks and bouts of illness he is available to face AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

“Ryan Burge is fit and over his illness,” said Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh. “He’s trained all week and he’s ready to play, which is a boost.

“He’s had a stop-start time at the club but hopefully he can show why we brought him to the club as we go into the New Year.”

The player himself is cautious but hopes he can finally play a part for his new club sooner rather than later.

“I’m back in training now and I’m fit so hopefully the nightmare is over,” said Burge.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there and playing now.

“I’m feeling good and hopefully I’ll be able to show everyone what I can do.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up so I’m sure everyone will get some game time. I just have to stay fit and take my chance when it comes.”

And having been promoted from League Two with Port Vale last season Burge is certain that County can go up in 2014.

“I was fortunate to win promotion with Port Vale last season and I’d love to be involved in another promotion again,” he said.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league. You just need to get a consistent run of results going.

“There has been no stand out teams. There is nobody to fear and the league is there for the taking.”