Speaking to their official club website, Leeds United goalkeeper Ross Turnbull is determined to comeback from injury and prove his worth during pre-season.
The ex-Middlesbrough man has been out injured for most of the season, appearing just once. However he believes that by the end of May he will be in a ‘decent place’.
It has certainly been a frustrating campaign for the 31-year-old, who only joined the club prior to the start of the season from League One side Barnsley. However he has only managed one game, but has had to endure two operations following an ankle injury.
Although the injury has practically taken a season out of his playing career, Turnbull accepts that these things sometimes happen,
“Injuries are an unfortunate part of the life of being a footballer.
“That is just how it is. It is frustrating, there is no argument about that. But there is absolutely nothing you can do so you just get on with it.
“It tests your character and that is about the only thing you can affect. I told myself right at the start of all this, ‘Don’t mope around, don’t feel sorry for yourself’.
“It is why I have always tried to come into Thorp Arch with a smile on my face.”
Turnbull suffered the serious injury during the second international break of the season when appearing for a Leeds United XI in a behind-closed-doors match against Manchester United. Turnbull recalls the incident very clearly,
“He shot and I went to save it, but I managed to go over on my ankle. It was something and nothing really.
“Just the sort of incident that happens all the time in games, hundreds of times over a season. Usually, nothing comes of it.
“But, unfortunately, as I went over, I heard it crack, which is never a good sign. So I knew there was something up. I wasn’t in loads of pain or anything like that. But, clearly, everything was not right.
“I actually asked the physio to strap me up, saying I was okay. But he said ‘no’. I also didn’t want to be stretchered off. I wanted to walk off, that is just how I am. I didn’t want any fuss!”
The shotstopper is already looking forward to a season where he hopes to play a much bigger part in Leeds’ season, and hopefully get a chance to stake a claim for the number one jersey at Elland Road,
“I’m back in the gym now and spending time on the bike. It’s all about building things up.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said before in my career that I’m looking forward to pre-season, but I am this year. If everything goes to plan, by the end of May I should be in a decent place.
“My rehab will be up to speed and then it will be a case of looking forward to getting in with all the lads again.”
