Captain’s Column

I KNOW all about Jack Redshaw’s quality, I grew up with him and know firsthand how good he is.

He was a year younger than me at Man City. He was always chirpy and wanted to get involved in the banter with the older age groups.

He’s from Salford, I’m from Liverpool, I think we’ve got similar backgrounds and we hit it off early doors.

I mentioned Jack to Jamie Fullarton last year, but he wasn’t his type of player.

Maybe if he was a bit taller he’d have had a hell of a career because for a small lad he’s good in the air. He’s got two good feet and he’s an intelligent player.

He’s been really unfortunate with injuries. You go out of sight, out of mind.

People can only assume how hard it is, but until you’ve walked that walk you’ll never realise what it’s like.

Being off the pitch is its own battle, but it’s more the loneliness and the hours you need to spend in the gym.

You’re there seven days a week and not seeing any progress, they’re the days where you really find out who cares about you.

He hadn’t kicked a ball for 18 months and people didn’t want to touch him.

He came to us with a point to prove, wanting to get games, and suddenly he’s got clubs wanting to sign him again.

He recognised the club was good to him and I’m delighted he decided to stay because he’s a real asset.

He’s a natural goalscorer, a great lad, he’s been there and done it at some Football League clubs.

I’m sure he’ll chip in with his fair share of goals. He’s settled in right away in the dressing room, which is important.

Fair play to him because I know what he’s gone through. He is an utter professional, he looks after himself off the pitch so deserves all the luck he’s getting at the minute.

It’s not by chance that he’s doing well, it’s due to his hard work.