Josh Harrop has joined Billy Bodin back in training over the past couple of weeks and the North End No.10 is thoroughly enjoying being back amongst it with the rest of the squad.
The former Manchester United man picked up a cruciate ligament injury back in September 2018 that ended his season, but he has returned to full training in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Speaking to the official website after another session, he admitted he was delighted to be back in action: “It is great to be back in training before the end of the season,” he told PNE.Com. “I have been injured for pretty much all the season, so to get back fit before the end of it will take me into a good pre-season next year.
“I have been working hard in the gym and doing all my weights, but it was a target I wanted to do before the end of this season.
“I was a bit unsure at one stage, because I didn’t know whether Jacko [physio Matt Jackson] was going to push me or not, but then I have got my leg strength up to a good standard, so I was able to go out and train, which has been a good boost for me.”
And to be joined out on the Springfields turf by fellow cruciate injury sufferer Billy Bodin has made his time out on the pitches even more enjoyable.
“It has been great to have Bill out there with me,” continued Josh. “We have got a good bond now; we have been working together for seven months – with him out for nine months – so it is great to see him outside.
“When he does something good, I smile, and when I do something good, he has a smile on his face and we have that bond now, having worked together to get back for so long.”
But he is now well aware of the tough schedule he faces whilst most of the squad will be in sunnier climes: “I am in over the summer. I will get a couple of holidays, but when I am back, I will be in.
“Jacko has already written me a schedule for when I am away and I will be coming back a couple of weeks earlier.
“My summer this year is going to one where I work hard, getting myself fit, working on my leg speed and making sure I come back sharp.
“Next year is a massive year. I am 23 now and so I want to be kicking on and put my injuries behind me. I am not bothered about them; I am back fit and I look as next season as one to kick on and hopefully do big things with the club.
“We’ve got a lot of quality in the team. We need everyone to keep fit next season; we will work harder to try and make sure we stop getting niggles and my aim during the off season is to work as hard as I can, get myself in the best condition I can for the new season,” he added.