ALI Carter wants to put his health problems in the past by shining on one of snooker’s biggest stages.

The Colchester-born potter, who grew up in Tiptree, is gearing up for next week’s Dafabet Masters and a first-round showdown against Barry Hawkins.

The pair are set to meet on Tuesday night, at London’s Alexandra Palace, with the winner facing a quarter-final against Neil Robertson or Robert Milkins.

Carter says he is due a good run in the prestigious competition - and looking forward to “wiping the slate clean” after his well-documented health problems of 2014.

“I’m feeling good and looking forward to next week,” said the 35-year-old, who was diagnosed with a form of lung cancer and had to take a break from the sport to receive a course of intensive chemotherapy.

“I see this as my first proper tournament since returning to snooker.

“I took part in a couple of events late last year, but want to wipe the slate clean and start again.

“This is one of the bigger events in our calendar and one of the top priorities."