Fraser left frustrated after Covid put brakes on return to football

With the new season getting into full swing, Peterhead’s Gary Fraser has been left frustrated at having to kick his heels at home.

The Blue To on midfielder is currently self- isolating after his girlfriend Emma Bell tested positive for Covid19 at the beginning of last week.

She has made a recovery and completed a 10-day isolation period.

Fraser has tested negative for coronavirus and has not displayed any symptoms.

However, close contacts are required to isolate for two weeks, so he is still at home.

Having played in Peterhead’s League Cup victory against Dundee United, Fraser has missed the win over Brechin and defeat to Airdrieonians and will also sit out Saturday ’ s north- east derby with Cove Rangers.

The 26- year- old said: “It’s obviously frustrating when the season is just starting and I’m having to isolate, particularly when I don’t have it.

“But that’s just the way it is. My girlfriend Emma had it and I was a close contact.

“It’s not great after doing a pre- season and looking forward to the season starting and then being in the house.

“I played against Dundee United at Tannadice and it was a great result for us.

“I was wanting to carry on that momentum and I’ve been stuck in the house. But that’s the rules you have to follow and there are plenty of other players who have had to do the same.”

Fraser and the rest of his Peterhead team-mates were without football for six months because of the pandemic and he is eager to re turn next week, provided he has not contracted Covid-19.

T he former Par tick Thistle, Hamilton and Bolton player added: “So far I’ve been clear of it and hopefully I won’t get it.

“It’s not a nice thing to have and I’m looking forward to being able to train again.

“We had six months off so we’ d waited long enough to get back to playing football so it’s just been unfortunate that I’ve had to miss another couple of weeks.

“Emma was struggling at first, but she’s fine now and she’s finished her isolation.”

Fraser would have liked to have played against Cove this weekend at Balmoor but he is confident the Buchan side can get a positive result.

He said: “It would have been a brilliant game to play in against Cove.

“I’m sure the boys can do well. We’ve got a good squad and we’ve been playing well.

“The result last week was disappointing but I don’t think we played too badly. The guys will stick together and battle and hopefully get a good result on Saturday.”