You would think that a series of cruel injury setbacks might have persuaded Nick Scruton to temper his expectations.

Two major wrist operations, regular injections in his groin and being diagnosed with type-one diabetes.

Enough to persuade the Bulls prop to adopt a more cautious outlook?

Well, listen to the man himself and decide for yourself.

“I want to have a big season in 2012 and I want to get back into the England squad again at the end of it,” declared Scruton.

“Yes, I’ve definitely still got aspirations to play for my country.

“I’m 26 and the next few years is the time to do it.

“I think every player in Super League has aspirations to play international rugby league and I’m no different.

“Fingers crossed we can have a good season at Bradford because it always helps if you’re playing in a winning side.

“That would give me a decent platform but first of all I just want to play well for the Bulls and have an injury-free year.

“As soon as I seem to get on a decent run I seem to pick up a bad injury.

“So I’m just concentrating on getting fit, playing well and if anything comes on the back of it then I’d be chuffed to bits.”

Much was made about Bradford’s latest failure to make the play-offs last season but do not underestimate how badly injuries affected Mick Potter’s side.

Significantly, key men such as Scruton, Heath L’Estrange and Chev Walker, all laid low last term, returned for the first day of pre-season training on Monday.

Six new signings will arrive soon to further bolster Potter’s squad.

Do not overlook that either.

Scruton, 26, is certainly determined to play a key role in what Bulls fans hope will be the start of a genuine renaissance at Odsal.

The powerhouse front rower, who came through the ranks at Leeds before joining Bradford in 2009, added: “Getting into the play-offs has been the aim every year but things just haven’t worked out.

“I really think this year we’ve got a bit more continuity and, although six new players have come in, it’s not a massive turnover. We’ve kept quite a lot of the same squad from last year, we have the same coach, and I think this season we should have a decent chance.

“Everybody at the club wants to get back into the play-offs because Bradford need to be in there don’t they?”

Last season, Scruton’s injury woes meant Bulls fans saw only patches of him at his marauding best.

After an operation to repair ligament damage in his wrist forced him to miss the end of the season, he is now edging closer towards full fitness.

“I’m a week out of the pot with my wrist and have got my last set of injections to try and settle down my groin and my pubis,” he explained.

“At the minute it’s just a case of taking it steady and trying to build it all back up.

“Hopefully I can be fit for the pre-season games and peak for the start of the campaign.

“It’s about taking it steady and getting it right.”

Nobody could deny that Scruton was due some good fortune and 2012 is shaping up as a pivotal year for him in more ways than one.

His fiance is due to give birth in early March and Scruton is relishing the added responsibility that fatherhood will bring.

“The baby is due on Tuesday, March 6 and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“I think he prospect of becoming a dad has helped me to grow up a little bit.

“At 26 I’m not one of the young lads but I’m not one of the older lads either.

“But having a baby on the way has put things into perspective and I can’t wait.”