Last night saw an emotional return to action for Sky Blues winger, Jodi Jones, who came off the bench to feature against MK Dons in the Leasing.com Trophy.
The winger had been on the side-lines for over 12 months, after suffering a second ACL injury in quick succession back in November 2018.
The road to recovery has been a long one for Jodi, but he has continued to battle to regain his fitness and last night saw all that hard work pay off.
Speaking after the final whistle, the 22-year-old told how it was the ‘best feeling’ to get back out on the pitch with the Sky Blues.
He said: “Last time I said it was a dream come true and its exactly the same again this time, if not even better this time.
“It’s four days away from when I had my operation last year, so I’ve been out for almost twelve months and I’ve been in the gym working hard and watching the boys outside.
“It’s been hard for me and for my family, friends and the fans and today was just the best feeling ever to get out there, even if it was for just fifteen minutes; if I was just to have got on for one minute I would’ve been over the moon.
“My family, friends and girlfriend came today so it was lovely to get out there in front of the fans and those who came to see me.”
Jones originally suffered an ACL injury back in November of 2017 when he was forced off in the League Two clash with Stevenage at Broadhall Way.
But, after recovering from the lay-off he returned again in 2018, only to suffer the same injury in a 1-0 defeat to Peterborough United at the Ricoh Arena.
Jodi couldn’t quit put into words what the last two years had been like for himself, but revealed he has just taken his time to recover and now he can’t wait to kick on.
“It’s so hard to explain, you probably know how I felt.
“For me, I love football and football is my life and I don’t know what I’d do without it and to have been out for two years now its just the best feeling to be back.
“Just to be back outside and be out on the grass was the best feeling ever and I’ve took my time because as you know I came back last time and did it again and I don’t know if it’s because I came back too early because I’m eager to play football and I’d never had a bad injury before.
“Last time I came back in eight months, this time its been twelve so I’ve definitely took my time and I’ve done everything right and I’ve worked really hard.”
Now, after making his first return to action, Jodi has said how there is no time frame on his return to competitive action on a regular basis.
The winger wants to keep being patient and work his way back into the first team when he’s ready.
“There’s no rush for me.
“I can’t wait to get back playing with the boys and I know I will have to fight to get my place and it’s a challenge and I like challenges so I will work my way back with the under 23s and then who knows I don’t know how long it could be.
“It could be a month; it could be two months until I’m back fighting for a spot in the first team. I feel good at the moment and my knee feels really strong.”