OBITA IS BACK FROM INJURY HELL AT LAST

JORDAN OBITA greeted his goal that put Reading on track to victory over Millwall with a mixture of elation and relief.

The fierce left-foot drive was the former Reading trainee’s first goal at the Madejski and one he thought he might never score.

Last Christmas Obita (above) feared he would never play again after two wasted years and two unsuccessful knee operations.

He said: “I told the doctors, ‘What’s the point any more?’ I’d tried everything, I’d worked hard and every time I ran outside my knee would swell up. I thought there was no point going for another operation because nothing was going to work.

“I sat down with my family and they said to me, ‘It’s worth a shot, just do it one more time and see what happens’. The third one – a miracle happened, it’s got me back to where I am.

“My knees don’t feel the same, but I have a routine every day that helps me play football. It will be pretty stiff after that. If you don’t look after yourself after an injury like this it could backfire.”

Reading manager Mark Bowen paid tribute to Obita, saying: “He’s had a horrific couple of years, with lots of lonely days on the training ground or in the gym by himself to get back to fitness.”

Obita’s return has boosted a Reading side finally finding some form. His goal gave them a ninthminute lead and Sam Baldock produced another fantastic finish after 37 minutes.

An excellent individual goal by Jed Wallace gave Millwall hope after the break, but Reading held on despite some nervy moments.