Gills striker working hard to make a return from hernia injury
Danny Kedwell says he can’t wait to get back playing again after being out for over a month following a hernia operation.The Gills number nine hasn’t featured since the 3-0 defeat to Colchester on January 11, but is on the road to recovery and will start kicking a ball for the first time today [Thursday] in the hope of being considered for first team selection as soon as possible.
Speaking to the club’s official website he said:
“Obviously the first couple of weeks after the op I was resting and letting it settle down. I had a bit of a setback as my back went and that was painful so I had to rest that and fell behind.
“I’ve caught up in the last couple of days and I’ve managed to get sprinting and on Thursday I will start with the ball so I’m not that far away.
“I need to get fitter having been off for four weeks; once that is set I’ll be raring to go again.”
His operation was put off a couple of times before the player and Manager Peter Taylor decided it needed to be done, with Kedwell admitting the pain was too much to take.
He added: “It was just before Christmas when I was getting the pains but I managed to get through and I was still training. Then around the Wolves game I was struggling and then we got to Colchester and towards the end I thought it was enough, I was in really bad pain.
“I battled through it, I love the club and I didn’t want to miss any games. It’s done now and I will be back to giving 100% and I can’t wait.”
As for when he will make a return, the player said he couldn’t pick out a specific game but is eager to play as soon as he can.
He said: “My four weeks is up on Thursday when they said I could start kicking and I could be nearly there.
"I have to work extremely hard and I’m doing double sessions to get as much fitness work done as I can.
“I don’t know if there are any reserve games to get some match time; hopefully there is and the sooner the better.
“It’s been very difficult and very frustrating because I love playing for the club and especially at home games when I come here and see the support.
“The main thing is that we have been getting results. I’m buzzing for the boys with what they have achieved – it will be difficult to get back in and I understand that.
“We are all in it together, it doesn’t matter who plays or scores."
Watch Danny's exclusive interview on Gills Player.