Sky Blues midfielder Ivor Lawton has been sidelined for over 10 months with a knee ligament injury, but now feels like he is nearing a return to football…
The Irishman suffered a severe knee injury at the beginning of the 2015/16 season and has spent the best part of a year on the treatment table.
We caught up with the 20-year old, who has recently returned to the grass as he continues his rehab with the club’s medical and physio staff.
Lawton said: “It’s a good feeling to be back out on the pitch with boots on, it has been 10 months since my operation and I’m now starting to feel strong again.
“I’m faster and fitter than before and that is giving me confidence. I’m always one of the first ones in and last to leave, and when you are putting in that amount of work its good to see results. Light at the end of the tunnel for me and I can’t wait to show it on the pitch.
“I have put on 3kilos in muscle and it is really showing. Ever since the injury I have been determined to come back stronger and the support from the medical staff at this club has been fantastic. You have to have the mental attitude that nothing can beat you.”
Lawton has been under the watchful eye of the Sky Blues fitness coach, Andy Young, who recently monitored the speed of the squad during pre-season testing.
Over 20 metres, the midfielder was the quickest player currently at the club, with the Kelly-Evans twins and Jordan Willis close behind.
“Over 20m I was the quickest player at the club, I was buzzing for that,” Ivor said. “I’ve been grafting every day and little wins like that keep you going.
“It is little triumphs that keep you motivated, it was the best news I’ve had since my injury. I went home buzzing with myself and it made me feel like all my hard work is actually paying off.
“On the pitch I was always a workhorse. And I apply that same principal to my gym work. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself though, I need to be sensible and listen to my body. Sometime in September, I hope to make a return.
“When you have a long-term injury like this it makes you realise just how much you want it, it makes you hungrier for it. It kills me watching the boys train every day. When people ask me ‘am I going to be the same?’ I say no, I’m going to be better.”