Clach striker aims to put year of injury behind him in return to action
JAMES Anderson says he is looking to put his year of injury hell behind him and help fire Clachnacuddin to a successful Highland League campaign.
The striker played his first full 90 minutes in a year, when he featured for the Lilywhites in their 2-0 defeat to Inverurie Locos last weekend.
It was the first time the electrician had played a full game since sustaining a torn meniscus 12 months ago which ruled him out for the rest of the previous campaign.
Anderson (23) underwent an operation in January to repair the damage and now he feels fighting fit to return to action.
He says to play a full game again has completed the road to recovery in what he admitted was a tough year for him.
He said: “It was really good to be back, I got on at home to Nairn and then the gaffer phoned me asking how the knee was and I said it was fine.
“He then said he wanted to throw me in at the start against Inverurie and asked me to give as much as I got and see how long I last.
“It has been pretty much a year since I last played a full game and I need to ramp it up.
“I tore my meniscus in my right knee, I got the operation in Glasgow in January and they were able to repair it which was good.
“It was quite tough and I was on crutches for the first six weeks and not able to do anything.
“But my physio was great with me and built it up as much as I could. When we started pre-season, I still didn’t feel 100 per cent. It has just been a case of trying to get fitter and getting game time has been massive.
“I was able to start running again about a month before we started training on June 15.
It has been only about a month since I have been training. I played a game for the under-20’s and the injury remains in your head a bit.
“But after the win at Lossiemouth, it goes out of your head, you just want to win. It is a case of ramping it up.”
Anderson hopes to be in contention to start in Clachnacuddin’s game against Fraserburgh on Saturday as they look to return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats.
He has been impressed with manager Conor Gethins and the experienced players he has brought into the squad. He thinks it gives them a good chance of their top-10 target this season.
He said: “There has been a few changes and bringing in experienced boys and having a better squad.
“I am just looking forward to getting back into it and scoring as many goals as possible.
“Conor was one of the best strikers in the league, he has his hints and tips for me.
“As much as I want to get back into it, he says to me not to overdo it. I am trying to get my fitness levels back, he told me to just to give it all I have. I am looking to work for him.
“With what we have, we should be aiming for top 10. Our match against Lossiemouth was the best I’ve seen us play. We know we can give anyone a go this year.”
