Hucks hopes to go out on high

Former Norwich City talisman Darren Huckerby is hoping it's not too late for him to have an impact for San Jose Earthquakes in what could be his last season in California.

Former Norwich City talisman Darren Huckerby is hoping it's not too late for him to have an impact for San Jose Earthquakes in what could be his last season in California. The 33-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the current MLS season, has been suffering from a thigh strain and in his absence the Quakes have found themselves propping up the Western Conference, losing five of their last seven matches. And Huckerby is unlikely to be fit to face Seattle Sounders today as hopes of reaching the MLS play-offs fade fast.

“I never pulled a muscle in 16 years,” said Huckerby after his second full practice since the injury. “I made it worse because I didn't know how bad it was.”

Huckerby, who played three minutes at Dallas last Sunday, added: “I'm getting there. It's tough when it is six or seven weeks out. I expect to be involved somehow on Saturday.”

Huckerby doesn't know what his future holds after his contract ends this season, except that he will be in San Jose or Norwich.

“They are the only two places I'm going to play,” said Huckerby, who hasn't spoken with either club about next season but acknowledged “the opportunity is going to present itself” for a return to England.