Following the 1-1 draw at home to Colchester United on Monday, Conor Masterson said there is a sense of determination within the side to start turning draws into wins, and is confident that the squad have it in them to chase the sides above.
Speaking after Monday night’s game, this is what he had to say:
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Return from injury:
It's been a long ride back and the feeling of playing competitive again was amazing, I just want to say thank you to everybody - the club, the fans, everybody has been really good with me.
I am hungry, I love playing but the Gaffer and the medical team just wanted to look after me and pick the right moment for me to come back, I was buzzing just to be able to help.
I learned a lot about myself throughout this injury, it’s the longest I have ever been injured so mentally it has been tough, but I have also learned a lot about myself off the pitch.
It’s the fittest and the leanest I’ve got myself, I feel strong and really ready to go. I’m 27 and heading towards my prime so I'm excited with a lot of determination and there is a lot of people here to help with that too.
Thoughts on the game:
Overall, it was a good performance but as a team we just didn't have that killer moment, their penalty is subjective in my opinion, but it is what it is. Overall, we have to be happy because we were the aggressors and were the ones on the front foot who wanted to go and win the game.
After all the time out, I felt relief when I saw I was starting, I was obviously excited but the main feeling was relief. My family are here, and we are relieved I didn't get injured again but, secondly, I played. It’s disappointing to get the three points, but I'll take a point.
Looking ahead:
Half the season gone, we are six points off the play-offs. When you look at the bigger picture, we are in a pretty good position. There is loads of football left to be played and with the whole squad practically returning, it’s going to be an exciting time for Gillingham.
It will be nice to get something from both of the upcoming games against Swindon and Notts County, I have a lot of friends who actually play for Swindon who have played with me in the past .
I'm looking forward to it. Things can change really quickly so you just have to remain focused and take it game by game.
