Winger Ryan Colclough is happy with the progress he’s made in his recovery so far from the anterior cruciate ligament injury which ended his previous campaign in November.
Colclough was told he would be sidelined for nine months with the serious knee injury sustained against Bristol Rovers, but he is pleased to report he’s six weeks ahead of schedule and is optimistic of a return to first team action sooner rather than later.
The former Wigan man was part of the group that spent a week training in La Manga and, once fully recovered, will have a key role to play in Paul Hurst’s squad.
He told iFollow Iron: “It’s going really well at the moment and I’m enjoying myself being back in the squad. It’s been great to get to know the new manager and staff, and I feel we’ve really come together after a disappointing season last year. We’ve tried to put it behind us as best we can but using that disappointment to try and bounce back.
“So far I’ve really enjoyed the training I’ve been involved in and the lads have shown a great work ethic.
“It was a hard time for me, but things like this happen in football and it’s about how you come back. I’ve worked hard and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“The fact I’m joining in training with the boys has been really good for me, and I can’t wait to get back playing.
“I’m at the seven month mark now, it should be nine months but I’m six weeks ahead of schedule at the minute.
“I’m going to see the surgeon when we get back (from La Manga) and hopefully I can then start joining in with games and get as much of that as I can.
“At the moment though I’m working hard to get as fit and strong as I can.”
He added: “I’m feeling really good. All my tests have come back good and I’m doing really well. It’s good to have the ball back at my feet.
“Last season was hard to watch for everyone, so I just want to get back involved, do my best and help in any way I can. Scunthorpe had been up there the last few seasons and we let everyone down last year. We’re working hard now to try and bounce back this season.”
Manager Paul Hurst added: “He’s doing well and joined in often as a spare man, and what is known in football terms as a ‘floater’, which means the lads aren’t really tackling him. He has an appointment next week with his surgeon and we’re hoping he can get the all-clear.
“The signs we’re seeing are positive. He’s done a lot of work but it’s important that he’s out with the players bonding and being part of the group. I think everyone will agree if we can get him back to full fitness he’ll be a big part of the squad next season. Fingers crossed we can get some good news and he can start training.
“If we get the good news, it doesn’t mean he can just play like that. There’s still a process he will go through, there’s no pressure on him and we’ll look after him the best we can. We’ll try to make the best decisions possible for him to give us that longevity over the season.
“Every time he feels something, he gets more concerned than he needs to be because it’s been a long road for him. The finishing line isn’t too far away for him now but the most important thing overall is we get the go-ahead for him to join in as normal.”
Colclough continued: “The manager’s been great to work with so far and he’s laid out what he wants from day one, which is hard work and it’s the least we can give.
“Hopefully we can play some good football and get back where we need to be.
“I’ve worked really hard in the summer, not had any time off and done what I can, and it’s paying off because I’m ahead of schedule now.”
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