Darren Potter talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Rotherham United long-term absentee Darren Potter insists that he enjoyed the opportunity to be back amongst his teammates for a competitive fixture for the first time, as he featured for 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Port Vale in The Central League.
The midfielder has been luckless on the injury front after a promising start in Rotherham United colours last season and has been forced to watch from the sidelines for months.
There is now light at the end of the tunnel for the former Liverpool man, who has dedicated himself entirely to ensuring he recovered from two serious injuries, paving the way for his first competitive action this season.
“It was great and I enjoyed being back out there,” Potter told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I think it's a bit different to play in a match environment, coming to a proper stadium and taking part.
“I've been training now for the best part of three weeks, so from that point of view things have been going okay.
“The injury is fine, there were no problems. I've had no issues with it since I've been back really, it's gone well and it's been a case of getting minutes under my belt and getting my fitness back up to the right levels.”
Potter’s determination to return hasn’t stopped at rejoining his teammates in first team training though, and while the 34-year-old is hopeful of a return to Sky Bet Championship action, admits it won’t be an easy task.
“It's something I want to do,” he explained.
“Whether I do or not will be another matter. It'll be something to speak with the manager and the staff about.
“The team are obviously doing quite well at the moment, although we're in the relegation fight, they're putting in some good performances and competition for places is high.”
The midfielder concluded by explaining that attentions will now refocus on training sessions with the Millers’ senior squad as he continues to work towards regaining full match fitness ahead of a crucial run-in for Paul Warne’s side after the international break.
“We'll get a few days off now with it being the international break and I'll speak with the coaches on Monday and see what the plan is going forward,” Potter continued.
“I think it was probably more important that I had the minutes from training under my belt. As much as it is important to try and get games, it was key that I got out on the grass with the lads and ensured that everything was okay from that point of view, which it has done.”