Injured caddy Billy Foster revealed he has already had “an offer or two” following his split with Lee Westwood – but insisted getting himself fit again took priority over finding a new employer.

After nearly eight months on the sidelines, the Bingley St Ives member admits he still does not know when he will be ready to return to the game.

Foster said: “I’ve not set any targets – it will happen when it happens. The pressure is off me and I’ll know when I’m right.

“I’ve just got to work hard and get myself right but it is slow-going. It could be two months, it could be six months.”

Foster is back walking again after tearing right knee ligaments during a football kickabout in America in May.

He is able to swim and cycle in the gym but has suffered recurring swelling around his knee and needs to strengthen the leg muscles surrounding it.

The frustration at being out of action was compounded by the split with Westwood, who decided to stick with Mike Kerr of Zimbabwe when next season gets underway, given the uncertainty surrounding Foster’s fitness.

But the 46-year-old Yorkshireman is determined to put a brave face on it.

Foster said: “It’s been unbelievably disappointing but they breed them tough up north. There are a lot of people worse off than me and I will bounce back.

“I have had an offer or two but I am just concentrating on getting myself right first.”

As one of the world’s most highly-rated caddies, having previously carried for Seve Ballesteros, Sergio Garcia and Darren Clarke among others, Foster should not have a problem finding a new employer when he is finally fit.

And he has not ruled out the possibility of linking up with Westwood again some time in the future.

Foster said: “You never say never. Caddying is a funny old game. It probably broke Lee’s heart to make the decision he did.

“The main thing is getting myself right and then it’s ‘Que sera, sera’.”