‘I’ve still got fire in my belly’

MacDONALD SAYS IT’LL TAKE TIME TO GET BACK TO FITNESS AFTER INJURY

FREED Morton goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald says he’s still got the ‘fire in his belly’ to continue playing as he continues to work his way back to fitness from a knee injury sustained in January.

Things haven’t worked out for the popular former Hearts and Raith stopper, who’s been restricted to just fifteen appearances in all competitions this season due to rotten luck with injuries to his groin and to his knee.

MacDonald admits that by trying to rush back to help the team in March he held himself back longer after suffering setbacks in training.

Now, as he looks for a new club, he has spoken of his desire to continue operating at the highest level possible.

MacDonald told the Tele: “I still want to do it and I still firmly believe that I can play at a good level.

“The fire in the belly is definitely there and I’m looking forward to getting back fit.

“I’ve just had to take things a step at a time. That’s been my problem at times this season. When I’ve been out injured I’ve tried to rush myself back when I wasn’t ready.

“With the injury I’ve had, it’s about making sure that I take the time to ensure that I’m back and that I can then stay.

“But I’ve helped in whatever way I can in and around the place during my injury and I do want to continue playing. I think maybe getting the injuries that I’ve had has maybe reaffirmed that belief in a sense.

“Having them has made me hungrier than ever, because it’s rubbish being sat on the sidelines. You want to play and for as long as possible.”

MacDonald is full of praise for fellow goalkeeping union member, Ryan Mullen, who scooped the club’s young player of the year award after a stellar first season for the club.

Earlier this week Mullen tipped his cap to the former

Hearts stopper, revealing just how much of an impact he’s had on his career to date.

MacDonald is moving on but hopes that the support he’s offered the young custodian off the park can stand him in good stead in the future.

He told the Tele: “Ryan’s done fantastically well this season, but it’s one of those things you need to accept as a goalkeeper, only one of you can play.

“I’ve done my best to push him all the way and hopefully it’s helped him to get better.

“That’s what you need as a goalkeeper, people supporting you and pushing you on.”