Danny Simpson: I'll return stronger

Sep 7 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

COMEBACK kid Danny Simpson has pledged to return from his six-month injury lay-off "stronger than ever".

The Newcastle United right-back hopes to be back in action by the middle of October following surgery on a ruptured tendon, bringing an end to a nightmare period for the 22-year-old.

After originally playing through the pain, he was told in May that his injury was so bad it would require an operation that would rule him out for half a year.

Now reaching the end of that rehabilitation, Simpson admits that the frustration of spending so long in the recovery room has given him new focus and determination ahead of his battle to oust new boy James Perch from his starting role.

“I’m the kind of person who wants it even more after a setback like I’ve had,” he said.

“I feel desperate to get back as soon as possible. I’m delighted the lads have started well and are picking up points and doing well – and I just want to be part of it now.

“I’ve never really had an injury before and I miss playing so much. When you’re fit and playing you don’t realise how much it means sometimes but now I do.

“If anything this will make me stronger – I will come back better because of it I think.”