Elphick: I was in a dark space for a little bit

TOWN DEFENDER REVEALS HIS BATTLE TO RECOVER FROM INJURY

rehabilitation from the ACL injury he suffered at Preston North End back in November.

The injury was a blow to Town and Elphick and left the 32-year-old facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, something he has experienced before with a 14-month lay-off following a serious Achilles injury that required two operations when at Brighton in 2010.

Surgery and intensive rehabilitation was needed once again this season after he was injured in a challenge with Preston’s Ryan Ledson.

“After the injury I found myself in a dark space for a little bit,” said Elphick.

“It’s that little bit of time when you don’t know what is going to happen and you’re waiting for the scan results.

“You don’t know how bad it will be or even if you’ll be able to play again and it can be scary for a footballer.

“Once I know what I’m facing I get myself in that head space to be able to approach it and deal with it. I’ve been through serious injuries before and I know the hard work and motivation that you need to make sure you come out of it the other side.

“In my career I have always found that injuries and setbacks have often lead to something better for me further down the line and that’s what I’m hoping happens in this case. I’m someone who draws inspiration from when times get tough, I use it as motivation to push on further. “I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people, both personally and professionally. I’ve met some marvellous people as a result of setbacks and this time has been no different, from the physios to the surgeons.

“My physio, Steve Humphries, has been absolutely first class and has given me that confidence you need when you’re trying to get back from a serious injury.

“It has been a difficult time but I’m turning the corner now.”

For former AFC Bournemouth defender Elphick, who arrived at Town from Aston Villa in the

You don’t know how bad it will be or even if you’ll be able to play again. It can be scary for a

footballer