HIRAM’S EAGER TO ASSIST GRECIANS’ ASSAULT
NOW THAT he’s back in the saddle, Hiram Boateng has his sights set on becoming Exeter City’s premium provider once again.
The 23-year-old midfielder spent more than four months sidelined with a frustrating hip flexor injury but made his long-awaited return to action as a late substitute in the Grecians’ midweek draw with title-chasing Lincoln.
Before he was ruled out in October, the former Crystal Palace man topped Exeter’s assist charts with five, a figure that was overtaken by Lee Holmes, who had registered eight heading into this weekend, and Boateng is keen to make up for lost time.
“Hopefully, I can catch him,” said the midfielder.
“It is a good thing though. It is healthy competition.
“We all want to be doing that (making assists) and I’d love everyone to be on eight assists right now because that would benefit us.
“We are all pushing each other and making each other better in training every day.”
Having experienced multiple setbacks during his injury nightmare, Boateng is keen to play his part during Exeter’s run-in, with Matt Taylor’s team still in the hunt for automatic promotion.
“It is a hard time for anyone when they are injured,” said Boateng, who is in his second season at St James Park.
“I have been going along with my rehab with Troy (Brown) and the physio staff, and that helps you get through it, but these things happen in football and you have just got to keep yourself going and pick yourself up.
“It is just like all the other lads. They all want to be playing. Whatever way I can help the team, that is what I am going to try and do.”