Burns must fight and not let injury curtail his career

IT was great to see Stephen Baxter and Paul Heatley end their Crusaders careers with European qualification secured.

For manager Stephen, after 19 successful years, it was the perfect leaving present for the Crues and the financial reward that comes with playing in continental competition.

It was a nice gesture from Stephen to allow Paul to lead the team out against Coleraine in his final game.

But the day for me was largely soured by the news that one of my former players, William Joseph Burns, may be forced to call it a day due to injury.

William Joseph has done his ACL and that is a nightmare injury for any footballer, but especially those who are senior and experienced players. It’s a tough road back.

William Joseph has said he may call it a day.

I can understand that, but I truly hope that he opts to do the rehab and comes back stronger.

I would hate for injury to cut short the career of one of the best and finest defenders of his generation in the Irish League.

His career shouldn’t end this way. It’s already happened to Northern Ireland internationals Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas and I would hate for William Joseph to join that list.

Hopefully he finds the hunger and desire to undertake and complete his rehab and we once again see an especially special talent playing in the Irish League.

Declan Caddell, the new manager at Crusaders, needs someone like William Joseph around to help and bridge the gap with Stephen set to leave following the club’s European adventure.

I always felt that when William Joseph joined Crusaders from the Blues all those years ago, Linfield’s loss would undoubtedly be the Crues’ gain and so it transpired.

Dig deep William Joseph and come back again.

Don’t let injury dictate the end of your football career.