Injury has dogged Sam Urquhart's Buckie Thistle career but the midfielder says he's now fitter than he has been for years
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BUCKIE Thistle attacker Sam Urquhart had good reason to complain when the coronavirus pandemic prematurely ended the Highland League season.
The 29-year-old felt he was well on the road to recovery after two knee operations sidelined him for almost two years, then lockdown again put his career on hold.
But Urquhart has used the past six months to get himself in good condition, and says he is the fittest he has been since his knee problems first surfaced in 2017.
“The long break has been difficult without football, especially after having pretty much two years out through injury myself,” he said.
“I felt just before the season ended the way it did, that I was slowly getting back to match sharpness so I was disappointed in that sense.
“But I think I have managed to keep myself in pretty good shape, although nothing compares to match fitness. It’s good being back training and playing games with the team again.”
The Highland League season is on pause until November 28, although Jags are set to be back in action on October 17 when their League Cup semi-final at Brora from last season is expected to be confirmed soon.
Urquhart feels he is in good shape for a return to the competitive field in two weeks' time.
“I am the fittest I have felt since before the injuries and I hope they are past me, although I don’t think it will ever feel exactly the same as before," he said.
"I’ll just have to keep on top of it and make sure I’m in the best physical shape I can be.”
Jags manager Graeme Stewart has high hopes for the season ahead, and Urquhart shares his optimism.
“I think we have a very strong squad with a good mix of youth and experience, so hopefully we can be up there,” he said.
“Sam Pugh looks a good addition to the squad and can definitely see a pass, which I like.
“Jack (Murray) has already done really well for us on loan and is still only 19 with great ability, so obviously another good addition to us now he’s signed.”
