Sam is Edin in the right direction

ABERDEEN STRIKING EXAMPLE I’LL BE BETTER FOR MY LONG LAY-OFF

CHRIS CADDEN hopes the first serious injury of his career turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

The Motherwell midfielder insists he’s mentally and physically stronger as he battles back to fitness having torn his patella tendon in November.

Cadden, who is now back in training and targeting a return to action next month, said: “After I saw the specialist I knew I’d be BY MICHAEL BAILLIE out for a wee while. So I realised I could either feel sorry for myself or work to get back and in a couple of years’ time I’d look back and think, ‘You know what, that time out helped me mentally and physically.’

“That’s been my mindset. I’m bigger in my upper body, I’m lifting more weights and my legs are getting bigger and stronger. Because I’ve played for so long I’d not had the chance to batter my legs and get them stronger.

“The mental side of it I really struggled with on Saturdays when I was going to watch the boys playing.

“I had to get used to waking up on a Saturday and not having a game. That’s the first time that’s happened to me as I’ve pretty much played every weekend from when I was five.

“March is my target to be back playing. I’ve set short-term targets and my next one is to get back in full-time training with the boys.

“Obviously I’ll need to do well if I want a game. Sometimes when you come back from injury you just want to blend in but if I want to get a game I’m going to need to stand out.”