FOOTBALL: MIDFIELDER Ivor Lawton has admitted to feeling like a kid before Christmas after pulling the Sky Blues shirt on for the first time in almost a year following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old academy graduate has been out of action since suffering severe knee ligament damage just days after making his first team debut against Yeovil in the Football League Trophy.
Lawton made his eagerly anticipated return to action this week for the club’s development side and he was quick to thank the club’s medical team as he looks to push for a place in Mark Venus’ side.
“It’s been a long 12 months to be honest, but I’m just buzzing to be back on the pitch,” said Lawton.
“It is incredibly hard at times to stay motivated and positive, especially on the mental side because it’s a really tough time and you can’t alter or change the healing process.
“It’s a horrible injury to have, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I’ve been looking forward to today like a little kid at Christmas, I just couldn’t wait to play!”
“I’ve put the work in to prepare myself for this moment, and hopefully I’ll continue to get stronger and push towards the first-team.
“A special thank you goes to the physio team here, Dave, Jacob and Pauline.”
Lawton last an hour for the Under-23s as they draw 2-2 against Colchester United at the Alan Higgs Centre, with striker George Thomas bagging a brace.
“I thought I did okay,” Lawton added. “I took it a little easy in certain aspects because I got advised to ease back into it rather than do anything stupid.
“I’m feeling really good in training, I’ve been with the first-team for the previous four weeks now just waiting for the opportunity to get out there. Hopefully I can improve as I get more game time in the coming weeks.”