The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Stockley shoulders burden to get Dons gain from pain
No time to rest for Aberdeen forward
Aberdeen forward Jayden Stockley needs rest and recuperation but the attacker is ready to tough it out for the cause at Pittodrie.
Stockley is struggling with a shoulder injury he suffered at Kilmarnock on February 19 when he landed awkwardly but after forcing his way into the starting 11 he insists there is no chance of him taking a break.
He said: “My shoulder is strapped up. I was pulled back the other day about two minutes into the game and I was in agony.
“It’s a case of painkillers and a waiting game for me but it’s tough asmy game is all about challenging for balls and I haven’t really got much else.
“I landed on it at Kilmarnock, was in agony and missed the next couple of games. It’s very sore and I can’t even lift weights in training which is annoying.
“It’s one of those things where I’d be all right if I didn’t do anything for a month but I can’t really afford to do that.”
Stockley admits it has been frustrating to sit on the sidelines for spells during the campaign but hopes he can show his qualities in the remaining games of the campaign.
He said: “If the team wasn’t doing well it would be more frustrating but I’m a team player and if we’re winning I’m happy. I’ve played in a cup final, we’ve got toa nother cup final and I’ve contributed off the bench in the past couple of months so hopefully I can get a run of games now and show my true form.
“The lads here have such a great work ethic and we all know there is someone in the wings waiting to take our spot so it keeps the pressure on and it is making us a successful team.
“We’ve had to grind out some wins recently which shows another side to us. We’ve scored a lot of goals this season but we’ve won ugly a few times which shows how much we’re committed too.
“I thought I would have played a few more games by now and scored a few goals but I hope I can finish the season well and score a few goals as forwards are judged on that.
“It’s gone OK but I’m striving for better.”
Hearts visit Pittodrie today for a game where victory for the Dons will take them 17 points clear of Ian Cathro’s fourth placed side and Stockley is eager to press home the advantage his side has established.
He said: “We’ve got a healthy lead on the chasing pack but we’re coming to the latter part of the season now when the prizes are handed out. We want to reach the cup final but securing that second spot is the first aim.
“Hearts have had a tough time of it what with changing their manager midway through the season and we’ve managed to capitalise on that by putting together a good run.
“It’s testament to the ability we have and we’re just trying to tick the games off now and treating every game with respect.
“The manager says we shouldn’t worry about anyone else and focus on ourselves and trying to get the job done.”
“It’s a case of painkillers and a waiting game for me but it’s tough”