By Graeme Anderson Published on Wednesday 25 January 2012 09:29 FRAIZER Campbell says heâs ready to play against Middlesbrough on Sunday â if he gets the call from manager Martin OâNeill. The Sunderland striker came through his latest comeback game for the Reserves last night and continues to make steady progress towards a return. But, having travelled with the full squad to Chelsea earlier this month, he says heâll be more than happy to be included on the bench this weekend and perhaps bring to an end a 17-month injury nightmare The 24-year-old has missed almost a season and a half after suffering two knee ligament injuries, but insists he is ready for action if called upon for the Black Catsâ FA Cup fourth round tie. Campbell played 80 minutes of last nightâs 1-0 win over Bolton, a fortnight after scoring on his return to reserve-team action at Blackburn and knows heâs inching ever closer to a return. âIâm looking forward to that moment,â he said. âItâs all Iâve been able to think about for the last 18 months and Iâm getting closer all the time now. âI travelled down to Chelsea with the squad and that was all part of becoming back part of things once again. âIt was nice to go down there the day before and be involved in the team meetings once again and if I was called up to play or be on the bench this weekend, I am ready. âI donât know what the plan is, though. âIâve got to make sure I recover from last nightâs game, see how my legs feel, and then take it from there. âItâs up to the manager to decide. But if he wants to include me on the bench, I will be delighted. âThere would be no-one happier than me to come back, get involved and be back amongst the goals again. âIâll do everything I can, but of course it will take a little bit of time for me to get my sharpness back.â Campbellâs first cruciate injury came in Sunderlandâs win over Manchester City at the end of August, 2010 and that kept him out for eight months. His second came on the eve of his scheduled return in April last year, leading to another eight months of rehabilitation. Campbell said: âThat second injury was the thing. âItâs hard to describe how frustrating it has been, but I just have to try and forget about it now and concentrate on getting back. âThankfully, Iâve not had any setbacks or problems after that second one. My legs have felt tired and a bit tight at times, but that is no surprise after so long on the sidelines.â
He took a couple of hefty knocks in the second half last night which certainly had my heart in my mouth for a moment or two...
That's the best thing for his confidence though, I've had the same injury in my knee and my confidence on it is shot even after having it operated on. It'll be a huge boost to get kicked but get back up in one piece. Best of luck to him, thought he was quality when he was fit, even playing on the right wing he was a huge asset, hopefully he can get his sharpness back through pre-season. Still a long way to go with him.
Totally agree. The lad has had two bad injuries. The more reserve games he plays the better. We don't want to rush him back.
