HEADS UP HE’S BACK
O’Hara chomping at bit after nasty bout of concussion ruined last season
MOTHERWELL ace Mark O’Hara says last season proved to be a headache in more ways than one.
But the midfielder is delighted that his injury nightmare is finally behind him now.
O’Hara suffered concussion in manager Graham Alexander’s first game in charge against St Mirren in January.
A clash of heads with Jamie McGrath led to complications which dogged O’Hara for months as he continually suffered agonising headaches.
He made nine more outings after the concussion.
O’Hara was unable to shake off the problem but was told after consultations with doctors and a scan that the headaches would eventually pass.
The 25-year-old worked hard during the summer to build his fitness then suffered a hamstring injury, which sidelined him until last weekend’s Premier Sports Cup exit to Dundee.
But he is now back, fighting fit and raring to go.
O’Hara said: “I’m delighted to be back. To be sitting on the sides watching has been frustrating but I’m chomping at the bit to get going again.
“It’s been a strange time as last season the concussion was something I couldn’t really take control of.
“Then this season I had a more normal hamstring injury but hopefully it’s all behind me now. I’m feeling fit and raring to go.
“I was getting headaches for months. I came back a couple of times to training and for some games but I couldn’t shake it off.
“There was concern but I had a scan and it came back all clear. From speaking to the doctors it was something that can happen and it goes on for longer.
“Luckily I’ve not had anything for months now and I’m feeling brilliant.
“It was about three or four months it was ongoing for. It was quite concerning but it’s behind me now. I was doing all I could to make sure I was fit, I could do light stuff but couldn’t do contact.
“I just tried to keep myself as fit as I possibly could without having a setback, which I did a few times. I was delighted to see the end of that.
“It was in the manager’s first game against St Mirren. I played on, I felt fine and it was a few days later before I felt anything but it’s all good now.
“It’s been a test for me. I’ve been working hard in the last few weeks, as soon as I could start running again I was delighted.
“There’s nothing worse than watching games and not being involved.”
Boss Alexander is thrilled to have O’Hara and Liam Grimshaw, sidelined for eight months due to glandular fever, back.
I was getting headaches for months.. was there concern, I had scan
He said: “Some days Liam was like an old man walking round the training pitch as he got out of breath after a minute jog. He had a difficult time of it.
“I lost Mark and Grimmy after my first game but they are both similar characters, they come out to train and they are happy to be there.
“They want to compete and play every day and I love players like that.
“They certainly improve our chances of winning games and we are delighted they are back.
“Mark is a competitive lad, I like having enthusiastic people around who want to win and are fully committed to every day and he is one of those guys.”
Well go to Livi today looking for a first league win and the boss added: “We are a team that is evolving.
“I don’t think we have been outplayed in any games we have played but we need to make the fine margins go our way.”