Source: FOOTYMAD
Striker raring to go
Injured striker aiming for first-team place Ishmael Miller is looking forward to playing football again after being sidelined by a rare injury. The powerful striker was thought to have pulled a thigh muscle in training but scans showed a torn tendon. The former Manchester City man is now set to return to training and is hoping to force his way back to full fitness – and into Roberto Di Matteo’s plans. "We thought it was a thigh strain at first but we then discovered after a deeper scan that it was a torn tendon that one out of 10,000 athletes tear," said the 23-year-old. "It's frightening odds! "It was at the top of the thigh, right near the groin. "But I've been outside for a few weeks now. "I've just been trying to get myself right so hopefully I don't break down again. "It has been frustrating from time to time - but it's football and it's what happens. "I just need to make sure I come back right and do the extra work. "I'm very excited to get back on the training pitch. "I just want to play football. "I haven't played football for over seven weeks." "I just want to put the last couple of years to bed and move on," he urged. "I've had to draw on my own strength and I've had my family and friends around me to help. "It could be worse. "Some people get injured and never come back. "We've got a very strong medical set-up at the club right now. "We've got some great people who have helped me - and I feel very good. "I've just got to take it day by day and week by week." In Miller’s absence, Peter Odemwingie and Marc-Antoine Fortune have both permanently joined the Baggies. The additions have worked with the Baggies sitting proudly sixth in the Premier League. The striker has welcomed the added competition and is confident of finding a way in the Roberto Di Matteo’s starting XI. "At the end of the day it's all about the club and the team doing well,” Miller continued. "We're doing very well right now. "It's a team effort. "It's good to have a lot of people fighting for places because it brings the best out of you. "The more players the merrier for me. "I know what I can do and when I'm injury free hopefully I'll get back to my best form. "The head coach is picking players on form, which is great, and the way you should go about it. "We've got some good players who have come in. "Paul Scharner is established in the Premier League. "Peter and Marco are both older than me and have experienced more of the game. "Hopefully I can just play consistently for a good few months without getting injured, get some sharpness, and try and find my top form again."
