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TUDUR-JONES ON WELSH AGENDA…. |
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You would have forgiven John Toshack for forgetting about Owain Tudur-Jones. You would have probably forgiven some Swans fans for doing the same but as he prepares to put his injury problems behind him the name is about to come back into the fray on both fronts. It’s been a long road to recovery for Tudur-Jones who was first injured at Swindon on New Year’s Eve 2005 and has hardly featured since. During his time out of the game he has seen the Swans bring in a whole host of midfielders and, from being an automatic pick back in 2005, he now faces a new battle – to win his place back in the starting line up. But he received a welcome boost midweek when John Toshack made reference to him before the Welsh win in Bulgaria – a timely boost to the youngster who Kenny Jackett grabbed from the League of Wales just over two years ago. Toshack’s words were “Putting these lads in … like Owain Tudur-Jones across the middle of the park in the future wouldn’t bother me at all.” and whilst most of the watching public would have just let those words float over their heads to the Swans midfielder it was music to his ears “It’s really positive news for John to talk about me,” Tudur-Jones told the Western Mail “But I suppose there’s only so much time he can keep me in his plans without me ever playing for Wales. “I think that’s a given because people can get fed up if I’m constantly injured, it’s not his fault or my fault but that’s the way football works. “It’s been frustrating, but I can’t think about it too much otherwise you’re just going to live with the disappointment. I just hope I can put everything behind me now and push on with my career. “The time off has given me the chance to reflect and show me how much I enjoy playing football, and how much I miss it. “But I’ve given myself the best possible chance to get back into that squad following the operation and, hopefully, I can show John Toshack what he’s missed when I have been injured. “I’m 22 now and still new to the game really. I’ve only been in professional football two years and when I get back I hope to be as fresh as possible because I haven’t played that many games in my career.” In the absence of the Welsh midfielder, Swansea have grabbed many midfielders and Tudur-Jones now finds himself behind the two incumbents – Ferrie Bodde and Darren Pratley but also with the likes of Kris O’Leary and the new emerging talent of Joe Allen ahead of him as well. It’s a challenge that OTJ is only too happy to face “It’s a strong squad and it’s especially strong in midfield, we’ve probably got eight central midfielders who are all decent lads,” he added, “But what I’m saying to myself is that the last year has been a really difficult personal challenge for me, and now that I’ve passed that challenge having all these midfielders at the club is another one to take on. “We all want promotion this season and if I can play a big part in that and be a big player for Roberto then great. “He said on the first day he came in that he wants me to get my knee right, he didn’t want to rush me back. “He wanted to make sure that when I did come back I wasn’t going to break down again, so, as long as I get fit and healthy again, I’m sure I will be in his plans. “It’s very lonely when you’re injured – a really horrible time – as you hardly ever see the rest of the team and you just get on with your stuff in the gym. “But I’m confident that everything’s gone well. I’m feeling stronger now and hopefully injuries can lay off me for a little while now.” And with John Toshack also watching proceedings the next 12 months surely can only be better for Owain. What are your thoughts? Share your views on the Message Board |
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.