CONNOR McManus admits his time on the treatment table has been frustrating — but he’s using the disappointment as character building.

McManus has been out of action for a number of weeks with a calf problem and he revealed to the Tele that he has suffered a minor setback in his recovery after playing in the bounce game against East Kilbride last Saturday.

The midfielder has suffered with injury in the past.

At Celtic he underwent surgery on a hip problem that kept him out for six months, so he knows how difficult it can be to sit on the sidelines for a prolonged period of time.

But he insists he’ll continue his comeback with a positive attitude knowing injuries are simply an unfortunate part of the game.

He told the Tele: “Being injured is always frustrating but I suppose if there is a time to be out it’d be during the break so you’re not missing too much competitive football. It is difficult, but it’s part and parcel of the game.

“Two years ago I had an operation on my hip which kept me out for six months and at the start of last season I had a stress fracture in my back because basically I was doing too much. But in terms of muscular injuries, this is the first time I’ve been out for a while.

“You need to get on with it though, it’s just extra frustrating because I looked like I might be back but it wasn’t to be.

“It was looking good, I had a good week of training and then we had a couple of bounce games. I played half an hour against East Kilbride last Saturday.

“I pulled up in the game and we’re now looking back to square one in terms of the recovery. Hopefully we’ll find out in the next couple of days how serious it is and that it’s only a case of a couple of weeks.

“These wee things like that can be character building and stand you in good stead for the future. 

“I just hope I can get myself back fit and back in the team.”

McManus also thanked his team-mates for keeping him in the loop during his time out and praised the togetherness of the Morton squad.

He added: “You’re always going to get wee bumps and I’ve been out a couple of times. I know my own body and I know how to go through them now. We’ve got a good dressing room, the boys are always upbeat and they’re concerned about how you’re doing if you’re injured.

“It’s a great group of boys who all keep together and the manager stresses that as well and hopefully on Tuesday they can get a result, pick up a bit of form and go on a wee run.”