Midfielder completes 45 minutes at the Globe Arena
Keith Southern completed 45 minutes for the development squad against Morecambe at the Globe Arena this afternoon as looks to return from a pre-season injury.Southern, who has been sidelined since joining in pre-season from Huddersfield spoke exclusively to the Club website after the 3-0 win about his intent to get into the first team.
“I’ve been itching to get back, it has been so frustrating. I have worked hard. I was a little bit rusty but at times I felt sharp as well so it was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
“Most importantly, the injury is fine. I felt quite mobile so onwards and upwards.
“I thought I played well. My passing was good, in the main. I gave it away a couple of times towards the end of the first half but I thought overall I’m quite happy, it was my first 45 minutes in eight or nine weeks so I’m delighted.
“Today was more about the fitness side of it, the injury side, not really the performance but to get a lot of touches and to be in the team that was 2-0 up at half-time, when I came off is pleasing. I can’t complain.”
The former Blackpool man was also quick to pay complement to the Club’s medical staff who have helped him return to fitness and was also keen to note his happiness to be back in a match environment.
“I’ve worked so hard in the gym, so hard with the physio, Luke. I’ve put everything into it, my heart and soul to get back as quickly as I can but you can’t beat playing in a match situation.
“You can train all you want but it’s the matches I miss mostly so I got 45 minutes under my belt and couldn’t be happier.”
In terms of when he expects to make his first team bow Southern said he would be ready when called upon but is relishing getting back into the starting line-up after a frustrating pre-season.
“Just when and if the manager sees I’m ready. I’ve got 45 minutes under my belt, I’ll be training again on Thursday so I can’t really put a timeframe on it.
“It’s up to the manager and the people who see me if they feel I’m ready to play some part then great, if not I’ll keep training and bide my time.
Adding: “Results haven’t gone our way of late and you always feel for the lads when that happens. When you’re out of the side with injury you can’t affect it but you always want to do your bit.
“I’m fit now, I’ve worked hard, I have 45 minutes under my belt it’s onwards and upwards now so I want to get back in the first team and help the lads.”