Reading defender Sam Hutchinson was pleased to be back out on the pitch for the 2-0 defeat to Watford, having made a premature return from injury.
The former Sheffield Wednesday favourite took a knock against Queens Park Rangers last month and had missed six matches, but played 60 minutes at Vicarage Road.
Already a hit with Royal fans, the tough tackler confirmed after the game that it was a risk to play, but one which he wanted to take.
"It was brilliant," he said of his return. "It was a bit of a risk, but I don’t mind taking risks. I did it earlier in the season. I’m a bit sore now but hopefully I’ll be alright for Saturday, and we go again. It’s happened all my career [bouncing back from challenges] so you just go again, that’s what it takes to be a professional athlete. You get setbacks but that’s what it takes."
Returning defender Sam Hutchinson gives his thoughts on Watford, on his return back from injury and looking ahead to Hull away on Saturday ⚽🗣️ #WATREA pic.twitter.com/MvKSvIPbmm
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) November 9, 2022
Manager Paul Ince had not expected the Berkshire-born star back so soon, hinting that the trip to Hull on Saturday was originally the aim for a return.
Speaking on the game itself, Hutchinson was not too downbeat.
"They're just a good side and we got punished. I think some of the boys learnt what it was to be a good side today, because those little mistakes do get punished.
"We made mistakes when we were winning and we got away with it, we're getting punished at the moment- that's what happens sometimes, you go on a run. We were on a great run when we were winning, we need to stop the rot."
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