I'm on the mend

David Christie 1638 - 1638 • Published 11 Jun 2009 14:00

Ryan Harding on the mend after operation

CROCKED defender Ryan Harding can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel after a successful operation.

The Ton centre-half has been sidelined for eight months with inflammation of his pubic bone.

But now three weeks since his op, the former Livi man is stepping up his rehab with physio Paul Kelly and is targeting a return in pre-season.

Harding reckons his pre-season training will start a bit later than his Morton team-mates, but after so long sitting slumped in the stand, unable to kick a ball in earnest, he can put up with a few days of delays.

He told Tele Sport: 'I got my op done and am now back into rehab three days a week down at Cappielow. It is still in the early stages, but I"ve been doing some light jogging and been on the bikes.

'So far, as every stage goes by, I feel good. But once I get down to the business end of kicking the ball then I"ll have a better idea how I"m doing.

'The boys all go back in two weeks and I will be about 10 days behind. I"ll be able to do training, but just not sprinting or kicking the ball.

'I"ll be playing catch-up, but after eight months out, I can manage a 10-day wait.'

The 25-year-old missed the entire pre-season last year after going under the knife for the same injury.

And he made just 14 appearances - chipping in with the winner against his old club Hibs in the process - before aggravating the condition.

Celtic full-back Mark Wilson is also suffering from the same injury which causes severe groin pain.

While Harding has hated being ruled out for so long, he has his girlfriend to thank for his recovery.

'I"ve always tried to stay positive through it all,' added Harding. 'And my girlfriend has been a pain in the neck, always making me do my exercises and look after myself.

'I will be fit for the start of the season, but in terms of match fitness I"ll be a little bit behind, so pre-season games will be crucial for me.'

Tweet

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 11 Jun 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @greenocktele