Murty on comeback trail

Anthony Smith • Published 30 Oct 2008 12:00 0 Comments

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ROYALS captain Graeme Murty insists he will not be rushing back from injury this time despite his three month lay-off.

Murty has been sidelined with a recurring calf strain in his left leg and has not made a single first-team appearance this season.

But despite his desperation to pull on a hooped shirt, the 33-year-old right-back knows he must be careful to avoid another set-back.

The skipper suffered the injury during a pre-season friendly against Havant And Waterlooville back in July. It seemed like he had made a complete recovery only to aggravated the problem again playing for the reserves against QPR's second-string six weeks ago.

Murty admitted: "I don't know if I came back too early but it seems as though my body wasn't ready for the stress of playing three games for the reserves.

"Hopefully next time I come back I will be ready and I can get through it without any more mishaps because it really is driving me up the wall.

"I'm progressing my rehab and trying to get fit. I'm not quite there but I'm working extremely hard. Sometimes it feels like it's Groundhog Day but you have to go through these things at times.

"I'm not in training yet, I'm in the tender care of our physios and I'm sure they'd love to see that back of me."

And he revealed: "I'm horrible when I'm injured - I'm not paid to be nice. I've just got to get through it and be as supportive as I can for my team-mates, make sure they see the positive side of me. Then as soon as they go out on the pitch to train I turn into My Hyde.

"If you don't play football you don't know the frustration of not being able to contribute. When you contribute to your success and efforts you feel a valued part of the team. Other than that it's very difficult."

Murty's injury has opened the door to more opportunities in the media. He was a Radio Five Live summariser during Tottenham's 2-0 win against Bolton last weekend alongside the legendary John Motson and he has been a regular guest on the sofa for Match of the Day 2.

The skipper, celebrating his testimonial season with Royals, is also a regular Monday morning guest on BBC Radio Berkshire where he often speaks about his frustrating battle to be fit.

"I've never injured my left side before," he explained. "It's my standing foot so it's normally as strong as anything.

"At the time I though a couple of weeks maximum but obviously it the injury was more significant than that.

"I hope to be back before Christmas. If you don't seem make sure I've got nothing sharp in my hand and all my laces are taken away."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 30 Oct 08

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