Injury-plagued defender John McGreal has vowed to be patient in his quest to regain fitness.

The Ipswich Town centre-half has taken his first tentative steps back to training after a nightmare catalogue of long-term injuries.

Two problems with the medial ligaments in his knee - sandwiched by a serious back injury - have left him on the sidelines for most of the past year.

But, despite his dream of getting back in action as soon as possible, he is determined to take each day as it comes.

McGreal told the Evening Gazette: "I've started doing a bit of bike work and so far there's been no adverse reaction.

"I suffered the last injury five weeks ago and they told me I could be on crutches for six weeks, so anything I do at this stage is a bonus.

"The last thing I want is rush back and aggravate the injury. That's what I did when I hurt my back.

"If I get by without any setbacks I could be ready to join the lads for pre-season training on June 2.

"But if I'm not ready by then it won't be the end of the world. The most important thing is being ready for the start of the new season."

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette