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Winger Josh Sims taking a new attitude on fitness at Ross County


By Andrew Henderson

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Josh Sims says the injury toll he has faced in recent years has changed his perspective since making his comeback.

Josh Sims. Picture: Andy Barr
Josh Sims. Picture: Andy Barr

Sims went a year without playing due to a combination of Covid-19, ulcerative colitis and heart issues, but he made a cameo appearance as a substitute on the final day of last season to make his Staggies debut having spent months working back to fitness.

That graft seems to have paid off, though, as after a full pre-season in Dingwall Sims has featured in every match County have played so far this season.

He has taken a few knocks along the way – including being forced off in the first half of Staggies’ final Premier Sports Cup group match against East Fife – but the 25-year-old says he has learned there is no point gambling over his fitness.

“I suppose you’ve got to be more sensible,” he said.

“Maybe a couple of years ago I might have carried on (against East Fife), but after being out for so long it’s not worth the risk.

“When you are younger, you are a bit more naive and will just carry on, but it’s not always the best thing to do.

“Sometimes you can push through a bit of pain and it clears up, but having gone through what I have you realise it’s not worth missing games just because you didn’t want to say anything.

“During the games you are going to get kicks, which is just part and parcel of football. It’s a balance of just getting on with it, but knowing to be more sensible.

“The five subs helps a lot. The manager probably isn’t thinking that if he takes a player off after 20 minutes he’s only got two subs left. It gives him a bit more leeway.”

Sims’ injury history is well-known, but he knew signing for County that it would take time to return, adding: “When I first signed the manager told me not to get frustrated, it’s not going to come back to me instantly as I had been out for so long.

“Patience is the key to it all. I have had three or four games on the bounce now and the body still feels good, which is the main thing.”


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