cobblers Defender Aaron McGowan has opened up about his “hugely frustrating” injury timeout and how he regrets playing through the pain barrier towards the end of last season.
The 26-year-old, who made his first league appearance in six months against united sutton on Tuesday, he initially suffered the injury against bradford April 9th. Despite that, he started the next three games before finally succumbing to the inevitable during a 1-1 draw with Exeter City.
He then went under the knife in the summer and subsequently missed the first three months of this season, but he’s finally back on the field and ready to help fuel the Cobblers’ promotion.
“It was a hugely frustrating moment for me,” admitted McGowan. “I think I did it against Bradford at home and the position we were in at the time I wanted to play.”
“We went to Orient and Oldham and people didn’t know I was playing with him during those two games. I remember in the game against Oldham Hosk (Sam Hoskins) was on the touchline and he wanted me to pass the ball to him, but physically he didn’t. could pass to that side of my body.
“Would I go back and change things if I could? I probably would. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and people just need to see the position we were in at the time. I really wanted to get to the end of the season.”
“I probably made it worse by doing that, but that makes me the player that I am. It was frustrating and it’s been very difficult and lonely at times as well.”
Just as McGowan has returned to full fitness, the rest of the team has been devastated by injuries.
He added: “When I first came back in pre-season we didn’t have any injuries but as I’ve started to get fit and train with the guys they’ve all been dropping like flies!
“It’s been exhausting, but I’m ready to come back and I’m so proud of myself because I put my body through terrible things during that time and all the medical staff helped me a lot. I can’t thank them enough.” enough: the work they do goes unnoticed.
“I also just had a little girl and I really want to do it right for her. My lady has been amazing. I told Jon (Guthrie) and Sam I hope I get her shape because it seems like when you become a dad you’re on fire in the field!” I hope I can take inspiration from those two.”
