Ricardo Gardner has revealed his frustration at not being able to reach his target of six goals for the season.

A hamstring strain sustained during the 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth last month has ruled the flying winger out of the last five fixtures.

Having gone almost six years without a goal in the Barclays Premier League, the 30-year-old has rediscovered his shooting boots this campaign, chipping in with four important strikes.

Gardner, pictured right with his brother Robert, is now only a short period away from reaching full fitness as he aims to recover in time to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup to be held in the United States this July.

He said: "I wasn't scoring over the past few seasons but I've managed to score four this year. My aim was to score six but unfortunately I haven't had the chance to do it because of my injury.

"I'm now about two to three weeks away from making a full recovery. It's been a bit odd coming towards the end of the season and not being able to help the lads battle it out until the end, but it's one of those things in football and you have to get on with it.

"It's not easy to watch on from the stands because as a footballer you want to be out there playing and enjoying the games.

"I've got a tournament coming up in July,but I'm not going to rush it. If I'm not ready then I'm not ready. I'm just going to take my time, but it is coming on okay and hopefully I will be fit."