TO say Aaron Hickey has been kicking his heels in his bid to return from injury is an understatement.
The hugely promising 22-year-old hasn’t played since going off late on in the 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in October 2023 with what proved to be a severe hamstring injury.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke could have the services of a key man back[/caption]
Aaron Hickey in action against Spain[/caption]
He was in the midst of a breakout season at that point and a certainty to play a key role for Scotland at the Euros.
But a series of setbacks and TWO operations left him sidelined ever since, with the player painstakingly building his way back up to a sufficient level of fitness.
And the good news is that chiefs at Brentford have decided to picth him back into a B team clash THIS AFTERNOON.
Brentford B are taking on Birmingham City in the U21 development league at Whitesheaf Park.
And that could be just the ticket as national team boss Clarke bids to get the best team he can on the pitch for two Nations League relegation playoff deciders against Greece in March – then the World Cup campaign to follow.
Hickey, who recently penned a new deal to take him through to 2028, said last month: “It’s been a very long time – it’s been difficult and disappointing for me.
“But these things happen and, now, I just have to make sure I’m mentally strong and ready to come back into the team again.
“It’s been hard. I had my first surgery, which didn’t go well, so that was a major disappointment for me.
“I had another surgery, worked my way back, I was back running, and then I felt something again.
“I feel like I’ve been very unlucky, to be honest. But now I’m feeling good and I’m fully focused on being back and training with the team.
“I go and support the boys nearly every week and it’s great that they’re doing well – we’ve got a great blend of players here and it’s all starting to come together.”
“It’s been a very long time – it’s been difficult and disappointing for me. But these things happen and, now, I just have to make sure I’m mentally strong and ready to come back into the team again”
On his new contract at Brentford he said: “The club has been very loyal to me, despite this injury. I’m very thankful for that.
“I now want to get back on the pitch and give something back.
“I’ll be back – and I’ll be back faster, strong and fitter, ready to do whatever I can for the club.
“I’m focused now on coming back and playing with the team.”
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