I’m on target in my recovery says Stankovic

TOWN centre back Jon Gorenc Stankovic is on course for a club return after six months out through injury.

The Slovenian youngster suffered an ACL injury (knee ligaments) while on duty with his national side’s Under 21s in March and has been sidelined ever since.

The original return date given to Stankovic was December, but David Wagner was hopeful the 21-year-old would be back slightly earlier.

And Stankovic has confirmed that his recuperation from the serious knee injury is on track.

He told HTTV: “I’m slowly coming back and going the right way.

“I’m now training on the grass and doing some things with the ball.

“I’m happy with how things are going and I hope I can be back soon to help the lads.”

He added: “I’m on target at this stage but I don’t want to come back too soon.

“I want to be confident and strong and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Stankovic highlighted the role the club physios have played in his recovery, as well as his personal support network consisting of his family and girlfriend.

“They keep me motivated with work and everything, but it’s not only the coaches and physios but also the family, girlfriend and everyone keeping me strong,” he said.

“Sometimes I just want to cry but they are there telling me to keep on going and that everything will pay off in the end – and that’s how I’m working.

“I always give my best and we’ll see what happens.” ■■Ex-Town legend Denis Law hailed Sir Bobby Charlton as “one of the best players ever” as the England and Manchester United great celebrates his 80th birthday today.

Charlton scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for his country and, most pertinently, spearheaded them to World Cup glory in 1966.

It was the peak of a career in which he served with distinction for 17 years at United, with his all-time appearance and scoring records only falling to Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney in recent years.

He was knighted in 1994, the South Stand at Old Trafford was renamed in his honour and a statue of Charlton alongside Red Devils teammates Law and George Best is just outside the stadium. The trio scored 665 goals between them for United and Law loved playing with Charlton as much as he loved the man himself.

“What a fantastic player, what a fantastic guy,” the former Scotland striker told Press Association Sport.

“He deserves everything he has been awarded with. He is one of the best players ever.

“We’ve always had connections along the way. You never forget people like Sir Bobby.

“He’s probably one of the best known around the world.”