Defender returns after 8-week absence
Stephen Jordan has returned to the training pitch following a groin injury. The summer signing has been restricted to only 6 appearances in a Fleetwood Town shirt – the last being away at AFC Wimbledon at the end of August.
The former Manchester City and Burnley right-back has spent a frustrating couple of months on the side-lines but is now pushing himself in training.
“I’m back in training now after 8 weeks out and I’m really enjoying myself and feeling fit.
“I’m a little bit tentative with the injury but that’s not uncommon after spending a long period out. That will go after a few days in training.”
Jordan is looking to be back in Graham Alexander’s plans as soon as possible.
“A full week in training should put me in better shape and I will be raring to go.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the game and it’s unfortunate I was restricted after just a handful of games at the start of my Fleetwood career. Then comes the job of fighting to take your place back and that’s never easy.”
The defender, 31, has sympathy for strikers Jamille Matt (ankle) and David Ball (shoulder) who both face lay-offs. Ball was the most recent injured and required hospital treatment last Saturday.
“As soon as it happened to Bally you could tell it didn’t look good because he looked in a lot of pain. All the lads wish him and Jamma all the best.”
Jordan would urge his injured teammates to adopt perseverance during their time out.
“Plenty of patience, exercise bike and rowing skills are a must! It’s important to keep fitness levels going and build a gym routine around your injury. But that’s no substitute for being out on the pitch.”
The team are fighting on three fronts in the League, FA Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and Jordan recognises says his team are in a good position despite a recent set back at Northampton Town.
“We’re looking good in all our competitions and long may that continue. We need to put last weekend’s result behind us. It was a bad result but we played reasonably well. Some people had reservations about some of the decisions but we must press on.”
Fleetwood Town are next in action this Saturday when Paul Cox brings his Mansfield Town side to Highbury for the Sky Bet League 2 fixture.