Delap: It’s great to be back
LIAM Delap says the support he’s received from Hull City supporters was a big source of comfort during his lengthy spell of rehab.
Delap made his return to action on Saturday in the second half of the 3-0 win over QPR after missing the last 15 league games with a knee injury which thankfully for him, didn’t require surgery.
His enforced absence was still a big miss for City, who have seen their play-off quest hit the buffers in recent weeks having been without the influential 21-year-old.
The young striker was serenaded by the home crowd before his second half arrival and then made his presence felt in an exciting cameo appearance which saw him come close to scoring and almost claimed an assist.
“I am buzzing to be back. It has been a long time coming since I have played, but I am really happy to be back now and hopefully play in the next few games,” Delap told the City programme.
“The amount of support I have had around me has been really good.
“The support I have had behind me from both Hull City and Manchester City has been incredible to get me back, so it is now just focusing on being back here and hopefully helping the team out with the last few games.”
Delap’s meniscus injury was treated back in Manchester and included a spell in the Portugal sunshine, before returning to City last Monday fully fit and ready to get straight back into the thick of first team training, and he says he has no concerns about the injury.
“The knee feels really good,” he explained.
“Obviously, the decision was made for me to go and have my recovery back at Manchester City so it has all been fine, and now I am back ready.
“I’ve come back over here and I just cannot wait to get started!
“It’s really good to be back around the boys.
“Seeing them all again and obviously, there are some new faces too, so it’s nice to meet them, but it is a great feeling to be around them all. I love it here so I am really happy to be back.
“It is what I have been doing for the past three months; just praying that I would be back soon and back playing.
“It is something you look forward to as a player playing so I cannot wait to be back out on the pitch.
“The most important thing about football is the fans. They get behind you and it is such a great feeling to play in front of everyone so I cannot wait to see them.”