By Alex Hill BBC Blast reporter, Norfolk

Bloomfield is aiming to improve on his previous best world ranking of 176

Norfolk's Richard Bloomfield is set to return to the game after three months out of action because of a back injury.

The 26-year-old from Alpington has been recovering from a slipped disc.

"It was good to have a bit of time off, but my world ranking has dropped so I'm going to have to gradually work my way up again," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"Some time off has refreshed me, but I'm keen to get out there and start playing again," added Bloomfield, the former world number 176.

Bloomfield, who turned professional in 2002, hopes to use his experience to reach new heights in the game.

"The older you get, the more you learn and I think it's a shame some players don't get the finances to keep them in the sport. If you're not quite good enough at a certain age you do tend to get cut off.

"Luckily at a young age I was working hard and was able to keep going higher and higher, it's just a shame that I got injured at the wrong time which has knocked me back a little."

One of the highlights of Bloomfield's career was playing against Leyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2007.

"It was very special, it can't get much better than playing in the best tournament in the world. It's definitely a good story to tell when you're older.

"I'm going to keep trying to enjoy playing and if I'm not enjoying it anymore, there are more things out there than just tennis."

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