TOP BEE RICO IS BUZZING TO BE BACK...
BRENTFORD’S Rico Henry credits a revamped mentality for his long-awaited return after successive serious injuries.
The left-back, who became Brentford’s most expensive teenager when he joined ex-Walsall manager Dean Smith at Griffin Park for £1.5m, has been plagued by recurring shoulder and knee issues.
Henry, 21, has been limited to just 21 appearances for the Bees across three seasons and insists he’s overhauled his mental approach to the game to try to stay fit in the future.
“It’s been a long journey back to the starting XI for me, I’ve been out about 12 months so it’s good to finally be back,” said Henry, who returned in Monday’s encouraging draw with high-flying West Brom.
“As well as obviously working on the physical side, I’ve definitely worked on the mental side too.
“I’ve missed the buzz. Getting ready for the game, dealing with the pressure, that’s the best bit for me.”
Henry was named in the League One PFA Team of the Year in his breakthrough season at Walsall in 2015-16, also becoming an England U20 international.
The defender believes a point in his comeback game against the Baggies can be a catalyst for improvement.
The Bees have been hit hard by Smith’s departure to Aston Villa.
“The knee should be OK, it took a bit of contact, so I’ll ice it and rest up,” said Henry.
“The West Brom result can be a turning point. We’ll go into the coming games and Christmas with some confidence.
“We can really see the belief coming back.
“There was a really good togetherness, and we can take that into the future.”