Maynard ahead of schedule

Last updated : 12 April 2013 By Michael Morris

Nicky Maynard has missed most of the campaign with a serious injury and was not expected to play until next season.

But he's progressed well and may be introduced in a friendly game over the next couple of weeks.

“Nicky is ahead of schedule, coming on well and could play again this  season,” said Malky Mackay in today's Echo..

“He will be training with the rest of the first team and we may look to get  him into a friendly over the next couple of weeks. Who knows beyond  that? Maybe in last game of the season there is something for him  there. We will look at that.

“He wouldn’t be picked for sentimental reasons. He would only play  if medically and fitness-wise there is a big tick. But the confidence he will  gain knowing there could be a shot  before the end of our Championship  fixtures and ahead of pre-season in  July is vast.

“Nicky has supported the other  players and the team throughout his  injury, backing them every step of the  way.”

“An injury like that is mentally a devastating blow for a player. During afternoons when everybody else has gone home, it’s pouring with rain in mid-December and you are a fair way from fitness, is a tough time.

“Players can be in the gym alone doing exercises on a leg. People don’t see those tough times when self doubt can creep in.

“But Nicky has been great. He has had a lot of support from our staff and to see him back out on the training ground over the last couple of weeks has been brilliant.

“He is talking about when he’s going out to start a game. That brings big smile to my face.”