Lewis Hardcastle has revealed that he is determined to get back to his top form and fitness as soon as possible to make up for lost time after returning from injury.
The skipper made his first appearance in almost three months when new boss Michael Jolley threw him back in to the starting eleven for his first game in charge against Tranmere Rovers at the end of December.
Now Hardcastle is focused on putting his troublesome ankle injury firmly behind him by performing to his best in the coming months to help The Bluebirds climb the League Two table.
“It was a kick in the teeth to have nine and a half weeks out but that’s football,” Hardcastle told iFollow Barrow.
“Seeing the lads train every day was hard but now I am back fit, back training fully and played the game so I feel good so it’s just about getting performances up and getting match-fit.
“It’s not easy when a new gaffer comes in because you’re not sure how much he’s seen you but it was good feeling when he pulled me to one side to say I was starting against Tranmere.
“I worked hard when I was out and did everything the physios told me and I’m back now and I’m happy.”
The 22-year-old and his teammates will head to Essex on Friday to prepare for this weekend’s return to action in a big game against Southend United at Roots Hall.
Hardcastle says the squad cannot wait to get back out on the pitch to build on their recent three-game unbeaten run, especially after they were forced to rest last weekend when the fixture against Exeter City fell victim to the cold weather.
“It was the right decision to postpone the game last week but it was tough for the players because we wanted to carry on the momentum of the past three games.
“We’ve worked hard again this week though looking to the weekend so hopefully we can go there on Saturday and get the result to maintain the form.
“Everyone around us seems to have picked up lately but if we go in to Saturday’s game and perform the way we have we know it is winnable, like every game will be.
“Southend are in good form but so are we so it should be a good game.”
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