BABY BLESSING BOOSTS SCOTT
...and now he’s fit to return
THERE was a silver lining to Scott Golbourne’s lengthy injury absence – the MK Dons man was able to welcome his second son into the world.
The 30-year-old, on loan from Bristol City, has returned to full training following surgery to correct a hip problem.
Just over three weeks ago, Golbourne’s wife Keshia gave birth to baby boy Enzo and, having had plenty of extra time on his hands to dote on his new arrival, the full-back is keen to get back to assisting the Dons’ League One survival fight.
“The problem was an impingement, which means the hip joint was catching and the bones were rubbing together, so I needed some of it shaved away,” said Golbourne, who is also dad to 12year-old Bakari. “There was some cartilage damage as well which needed repairing.
“It was considered major surgery but it seems to have done the trick. We were reluctant to operate initially because of the predicted time out, which could have been up to four months. Fortunately enough, the surgery went really well.
“The one blessing to come out of being injured was that I was able to be at home whilst my wife was giving birth and in those first few weeks. That was a special time.”
Golbourne’s loan initially expired after he played against Oxford on New Year’s Day but, shortly after succeeding Robbie Neilson, former England Under16s boss Dan Micciche opted to bring him back for a second successive spell.
With the Dons embroiled in the relegation mire heading into the Bank Holiday weekend, the former Wolves and Barnsley man is now keen to help chart a course to safety and repay his manager’s faith.
“It was a little bit of a gamble on (the Dons management’s) part but it meant that I could focus on my rehab here and get fit, and the icing on the cake will be to play a few games – it’s looking very promising for that,” said Golbourne, who could return to the squad for tomorrow’s game against Blackburn.
Positive
“The manager has shown a bit of faith in me and both he and Keith Millen (assistant) have a really positive approach.
“They’ve tried to give the side a philosophy and a real structured way of playing, and I think that’s worked.
“Guys have found confidence to go and play. I think the belief is there, the momentum’s now building and lads are developing confidence, so I think it will be a really positive last few games.
“We need to make sure we stay in the league because the future of the club is in a higher division.”
Golbourne is out of contract at Bristol City, the club with whom he began his career, at the end of the current campaign but insists he has put thoughts on his future to the back of his mind.
“It’s just been a case of focusing on getting fit first,” he added.
“I’ve tried not to think about the future too much because it can be a concern for some people – out of contract, having major surgery.
“I’ve chosen not to pay too much attention to that. My next task is to go and play some games and see where that takes me.”