Randy Duck has jetted back into Sussex with a massive boost for the Brighton Bears squad.

The all-star skipper and point guard has been given the all clear to begin fitness work after his hernia operation and expects to be back in training with his team mates by next weekend.

That would appear to open up a chance of him playing in the summit meeting with Chester Jets on March 8.

In fact, coach Nick Nurse last night even suggested he could be back for one of the three games in four days starting a week tomorrow.

Duck, wrapped up against the Sussex cold, caught up with his colleagues at their Falmer training base yesterday, sank a few tentative free throws, then consulted with Albion physio Malcolm Stuart and was given the good news he was desperate for.

He said: "My operation was five weeks ago and I have done no physical training at all but I am now clear to do strength work.

"The programme I have been given will allow me to push myself over the next 7-10 days and then get back on the practice court.

"Once I get back there I believe it will be pretty quick for me.

"I haven't ridden a bike or played basketball or really done anything for some time so I expect it to hurt when I get back to work.

"Everything is pointing directly at me now though. The ball is in my court which is what I have wanted all the time.

"I plan on becoming part of the team again fairly quickly."

Duck has been in California recovering from an injury which has ruled him out since midway through the home date with Birmingham on December 29.

Bears won that game and stitched together eight more victories, including the cup final and two away to Sunday's opponents London Towers, in his absence before hitting the wall over the last fortnight.

It has been a great effort by Nurse's squad, who only came off the rails when Ralph Blalock was added to the injured list.

Duck said: "We have had other injuries too so kudos to our team.

"We have won a lot more then we have lost and against quality opposition.

"The first thing I said to the team when I saw them yesterday was 'Congratulations. you guys showed a lot of character'."

No one could have forecast that when Duck trudged off court after the home defeat by Towers on December 28, it would be the last time he would finish a game in two months.

The treatment he has received since then is expected to ensure his safe passage to the end of what could still be a successful title chase.

He said: "The procedure is like a double reinforcement for what I tore and damaged.

"What I have to do is rebuild my strength and range of movement. I will be going 110 per cent two or three times a day to get back in shape."

Bears were anxious for good news from Blalock's check-up today as they looked ahead to Sunday's game, in which he may need an injection to participate.