Painter can now only wonder what it is like for Ferrie who – having just completed one long term absence – is now starting another after getting injured again against Sheffield United last weekend.
Painter spent a large spell of last season on the sidelines but was back in style on Tuesday night against Doncaster with an accomplished display at left back.
But his thoughts and sympathies lie with Ferrie Bodde who he has backed to make a full recovery from the injury
Painter told the Western Mail “The rehab process has been one of the toughest times of my career
“To have to do it all again, for him to get through it, will show his true character.
“It’s just devastating for Ferrie and I can imagine that his head must be all over the place at the moment.
“He has worked so hard to get back on the field for his first start and, for it to go after just nine minutes, words can’t explain how hard it is for him.
“But he has got two choices now – either kiss goodbye to his career or dig in, work hard and get back to the good player he is.
“Knowing Ferrie, how tough he is and how good a player he is, I’m sure he won’t want to waste that and he will hopefully get back to his best again.
“What happened with Ferrie puts it into perspective. You don’t want to rush it and you can kid yourself into thinking you are 100 per cent.
“It gave me a bit of a fright because it shows that it can happen so easily. The smallest of movements in the wrong position can snap it.
“I feel good but I’m still trying to get back into full flow and back to what I was before my injury. I know it will take a lot of time.
“I just have to keep telling myself that it will take a long time and I have to be patient. The gaffer understands the situation as well and he will take his time with me.”