DAVID Hockaday is hoping Steve Brogan's midfield tenacity will re-energise Forest Green next season.

Brogan, 25, today, has agreed a one-year contract after the England C star joined Rovers as a free agent in September.

The former Rotherham United player was previously touted as a Premier League star of the future  before a leg break stalled his burgeoning career.

The Leeds United fan resurrected his career at Stalyybridge Celtic and Guiseley before moving to Rovers, where he made an immediate impact, scoring an injury-time winner after coming on as an 80th substitute on his debut at Macclesfield Town.

However, his injury hoodoo returned when he picked up a knock in Rovers' 5-1 demolition of Newport County on New Year's Day.

The Yorkshireman's luck didn't improve when he tore his groin muscle off the bone and he was forced to go under the knife.

Rovers' manager David Hockaday said: "We're delighted Steve's put pen to paper, we were in a very strong place when he got injured against Newport and he was one his way back when he picked up a freak injury against Bournemouth in a reserve game.

"I think his attacking midfield play and set piece delivery is something we've lacked in the final quarter of the season.

"Steve's very popular with the group, he works hard and is very keen to take us that one step further next season."

Brogan added: "I'd just started to be a regular in the starting team, was doing well and felt settled when I got injured. I had a bit of a nightmare with these couple off injuries. But I think I showed enough of what I can do in those few months.

"I'll be back training fully in about four weeks time and I'll be in over the summer getting my strength and fitness back so I'm ready to go with the rest of the lads on the first day of pre-season."

Brogan signed his first professional contract with hometown club Rotherham in 2005, making 64 senior appearances. He moved to Alfreton Town in the Conference National on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2011 before shifting to Stalybridge.