CRAIG RITCHIE
Gary MacKenzie is counting down the days until he’s back playing – but he admits it isn’t getting any easier.
Back in training last week, the big defender is nearing ever closer to at least being back out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates.
It’s the little things that are getting him through and being back out on the grass has been a huge milestone in what has been a lengthy recovery.
The fact that he is even kicking a ball brings a smile to his face following over seven months out with an Achilles injury.
But even now, he is only thinking of pulling back on the black and white stripes that he has so proudly worn for the previous two seasons.
MacKenzie said: “I had a few days off over Christmas and New Year and now that’s me back out with the physio.
“It felt good so it is just a case of working hard now. It is all about getting my fitness back and having a mini preseason so hopefully I will be back in full training in a few weeks.
“It has been tough but I have had problems with my Achilles before. It is worse when it is a reoccurence because you know the steps that you need to take. Sometimes, with a new injury it is easier to just go along with what you are being told.
“Once you know the amount of stages that there are then it can be quite tough mentally.
“Last year was the second time I had done it. But the difference last season was you were watching from the sideline a team that were doing well.
“Everything about the place was bubbling away nicely.
“There is more of an edge to want to get back sooner this season because you want to help.
“But you can’t rush back because you
There is still loads to play for Gary MacKenzie
will end up breaking down and being out for another couple of months. I just need to follow the guidelines set out by the surgeon –and they know what is best.
“The only thing you can do is put your head down and get on with it. I just have the focus of getting back out there and helping the boys and that is all I can do.”
MacKenzie has become an ardent spectator from the stands this season as his injury continues to sideline him.
He admits that he is kicking every ball as he watches his teammate continue to battle against the drop.
But the experienced defender, plucked from Doncaster Rovers back in 2016, revealed that being injured hasn’t stopped him from helping out as much as he can in and around the training ground.
He said: “You learn to take it in stages, and being back outside helps again. It gives you that wee boost.
“But the plan is to come back and make an impact.
“The boys have done alright in bits and they are not detached in any way. There is still loads to play for.
“If I can get back fit and playing then of course I think I can help the team out and I think we will be alright.
“When you see the team struggling you desperately want to get out there and help – but you know you can’t.
“If I could I would be out there. You have just got to help within the changing room, encourage the lads and help keep the mood up.
“That’s what I have been doing, being positive and lifting people if it looks as though they are down.”