Michael Spellman is determined to put his injury frustrations behind him and has his sights set on becoming an important figure for Newport County this season.
A groin injury sustained in the lead-up to the Exiles’ season opener against Cheltenham Town in August saw the 22-year-old’s League Two debut campaign initially prevented.
However, since returning from injury last month, the former Sunderland man has featured five times from the bench, including scoring a decisive goal in County's 3-1 home win over Salford City.
And despite his recent injury struggles, the NO.21 is keen to become a major asset for Nelson Jardim’s side this season.
“Personally, this year has been very tough for me with injuries. At Sunderland, I was injured for most of the year - from January to April,” said Spellman, who joined the Exiles on a two-year deal in the summer.
“Obviously, it’s always tough; it’s just one of those things where you have to keep going and be mentally strong by having belief in yourself. The lads and staff have been great; they’ve pushed me hard, and I’m slowly getting back to where I want to be.
“It’s always tough seeing the other lads go out to training when you can’t, but it’s all about making sure you do the right stuff so you’re back out on the pitch as soon as possible.
“In football, it’s always tough, especially when coming back from injury. You just need to be patient and be ready for when your chance comes to ensure you take it when it does.
I’m always ready. I’ve worked hard since my injury, and I’ve tried to get back as fast as possible and get that sharpness back. I’m patient, and I’m ready whenever I’m needed.
"That’s what you need to be; it doesn’t always go the way you want, but you have to keep working no matter what.”
Following their exit from the Emirates FA Cup last weekend, the Exiles return to League Two action with a trip to Tranmere Rovers tomorrow afternoon.
County head to Prenton Park in positive form, having secured four points from their last two league matches, including back-to-back clean sheets.
And Spellman wants his side to build on their recent league form in Birkenhead against Nigel Adkins' side.
“It’s going to difficult, they’re a tough team. I’ve never played Tranmere before, so it’s always exciting to visit and play at a new stadium,” he added.
“Away performances are massive for us; if we can pick up points away from home, we’re going to put ourselves in a much better position.
“There’s endless talent in this squad; the lads are brilliant. On the training pitch, everyone works so hard, and everyone pushes each other.
"The competitiveness in the squad is brilliant, and that helps as everyone wants to be starting, so it pushes and drives us all to get that spot.
“The group we have in this team - the ability is massive. I think these next two months in the build-up to Christmas will be huge.
"We have a lot of games, and we need to push on and get some good results from them, starting with tomorrow.”
