Break is last thing I need McHugh targets top six after four months out
Motherwell midfielder Carl McHugh returned from a four month lay-off – and admits the last thing he needs is a break.
Motherwell finished off 2016 with a last-gasp equaliser against Hamilton in the Lanarkshire derby.
McHugh played in Louis Moult for the goal and he admits moments like that are exactly what he has missed.
The Irishman suffered a nasty concussion on the opening day of the season and was sidelined for four months.
After returning for last Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Inverness, McHugh insists he wants to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
He said: “We showed a great spirit and a great determination and we got our just rewards. I feel grand, the game opened up in the last 10 minutes and I was struggling a wee bit but we got through it.
“I only had four or five training sessions with the squad but I’ve been working with Andy Boles – the fitness coach – and he’s been absolutely brilliant.
“He’s got me able to play two 90 minutes in the space of three days.
“I don’t know how he’s done it but I’ll give him most of the credit.
“I got a lift after we scored, I probably would have been more tired if we lost.
“I’m delighted we’ve got four points out of two tough away games and it’s a good return.
“I’m still a bit away from the levels that I hope to get to.
“To be honest, after getting a taste for it I’d love there to be another game next week.
“There’s nothing anybody could have done about it (the injury). I just feel very fortunate that I’m able to be back helping the team.
“I’ve missed being involved and moments like that when you get results together as a team is the best feeling in the world.”
McHugh now wants Well to kick on and find their way into a top six position – and he believes youngsters like Allan Campbell can help the side do that.
The 18- year- old put in a stellar performance for his first-team debut and McHugh is a big fan of the Well Academy star.
He said: “That was some debut. One of the best debuts I’ve seen.
“He looked like a seasoned pro and that’s the biggest compliment you could give him.
“He didn’t shirk from anything and that’s the kind of lad he is.
“I thought when I signed that he’s got
a big chance because he’s a great player and he’s still so young.
“He’ll hopefully make big contributions between now and the end of the season.
“I think we’re in the shake-up for the top six.
“Those two results have helped us back up our claims that we could be a top six team but there’s a lot of hard work to do between now and the split. “Hopefully we won’t be far away.” McHugh is back in training as he looks to get back to full fitness but admits his game may have changed for the better after his concussion.
He said: “I take every day as it comes and every day I come through training is a win for me.
“It’s been small steps all the way but hopefully the worst of it is behind me now.
“Before I would’ve stuck my head in anywhere but I think I might be a bit more calculating now.
“I don’t think it’s going to take away from my game, it might help it as I won’t give away any more free-kicks!”