Invincibile expresses fitness concerns

Sat, 17 Oct 14:48:04 2009

Kilmarnock midfielder Danny Invincibile claims he is one of the 90% of players in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League who will go into this weekend's games less than fully fit.

The Australian has had back and hamstring injuries which have disrupted his season but he scored his first goal of the campaign in 1-1 draw with Aberdeen a fortnight ago.

"It was frustrating for me that we had to stop for the international break," he said.

"I had a few injuries at the beginning of the season and I was feeling confident after scoring and I wanted to play the next week. But it gave me time to sharpen up further.

"It's probably the best I've felt. I feel as if I can turn sharper and slide tackle whereas I couldn't before. But I probably need a few more games and then I should be back to full fitness. The last five or 10% is huge to a player.

"It makes all the difference, especially to me where a lot of my game is speed, and running at people with pace.

"In Scotland, and I'm going to be honest, a lot of players are very similar in terms of talent and so if you have that little bit extra then you can go on. That's why we are here and not in the English Premier League.

"You need that final 10% but at every club you could go to, 90% of the players would tell you they do not go into games 100% fit. There's only about 50% of the season where you feel 100% fit, mentally and physically.

"I don't think the supporters appreciate the difference it makes - nor the coaches.

"A lot of times, in the first game back after injury, you get by on adrenaline and you might have a blinder and then you might struggle in the following weeks. But as soon as you declare yourself fit then there are no excuses and that's part and parcel of football."

 

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