JAMES Benning says his injury worries are now behind him and he is looking forward to cementing his place in the Surrey first team.

The 25-year-old big hitter has played in all three of the Brown Caps first class games this season and says he is desperate to prove to new manager Chris Adams that he is worth a place in the starting line-up, in both forms of the game.

He said: "My first targets this season were to get a chance in the four-day games and I want to lead from the front in one-day cricket.

"We know we have to improve our game and certainly be a lot more consistent and I want to be part of bringing some success to this club again.

"But it would be a big thing for me if I was able to secure a Championship spot."

Benning has been labelled a one-day specialist in the past but has been told by Adams he will be given an opportunity to show what he can do in the longer format.

"I know that shorter format cricket is becoming more important to everyone but in my heart I want to play four-day cricket too.

"In the past I've had a good game plan for one-day cricket but perhaps not so for the Championship.

"I've never been quite sure of my role in the team but now I'm getting more of an idea from the management of what they want me to do."

Benning's 2008 season was ruined by a back injury and the former Caterham School pupil admits it was a worrying time for him.

"Having a winter at home after my back surgery at the end of November has made me even more hungry for the game and I want to be out there playing.

"I've spent a lot of hard work on my rehab in the gym, thankfully the operation went well and touch wood I'm 100 per cent.