Oxford United’s young midfielder Josh Johnson is now back in full training and eager to make up for lost time.
The 18-year-old has yet to play a game this season after picking up an injury at exactly the wrong time.
“It was literally a day before pre-season” he told iFollow. “I wanted to come back sharp and really impress so I did a couple of sprints the day before we reported back. I didn’t know at the time but I damaged my quad and the moment we started training again I knew I was struggling.
“It has taken ten weeks to get fit again and that has been incredibly frustrating. I spent four or five weeks in the gym working on my strength and then the last few weeks I have been back on the pitches and building up the running and kicking a ball. I am now back fully and involved every day in training and I’m feeling good.
“The Gaffer has been great with me. He has kept me involved and been checking on my progress all the time. Now it’s up to me to show what I can do.”
There are plenty of role-models around for ‘JJ’ to follow:
“I have grown up playing in the same sides as Gatlin and Tyler and they have done so well this season. I couldn’t play but I made sure I was there at every home game to lend them some support and help in any way I can. There’s a strong bond between all of the young players here.
“The next step is to be involved with the First Team with them again. I have been out on loan before and that really helped my development, playing men’s football, but the aim for all of us is to play regularly for this club and help the First Team do well.
“It has taken a while this season but I am in good shape now and with the team doing so well I just have to keep working hard, believe in myself, and if I do get a chance then take it and show what I can do.”
See the full interview right now in iFollow