Following four months of the sidelines, Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Kliment Taseski admits he was gripped by relief after successfully emerging from his first competitive hit out since recovering from injury.
Following four months of the sidelines, Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Kliment Taseski admits he was gripped by relief after successfully emerging from his first competitive hit out since recovering from injury.
Taseski made his long awaited return during Sunday-s National Youth League match with Adelaide United, featuring off the bench in a 30 minute cameo appearance.
Despite his limited pitch time, Taseski certainly made his mark on the affair, with his introduction igniting a late match charge from the Red and White as his marauding runs from right back caught United off guard.
The former Jimmy Rooney Medallist almost capped off his first match of the season with a fairytale goal, narrowly missing the mark with a sumptuous curling effort.
While he may not have etched his name on the scoresheet, Taseski was simply thrilled to be back in the midst of the action, playing for points.
“I was happy to get through pain free, and everything went well, aside from the fact we were unable to get three points,” he said.
With his movement restricted, Taseski endured a frustrating rehabilitation as he saw his exercise limited to non-weight bearing activities.
Forced to assume the role of detached onlooker during first team training sessions, Taseski-s interminable time on the sidelines tested his resolve as a professional, as ever increasingly, patience became a necessary virtue.
To undergo such a lengthy stint out of action however also served to reaffirm his passion for the game, with each passing day heightening his angst to return to the hustle and bustle of first team training.
“I can-t even explain (the frustration) to be honest,” he said.
“I-m simply happy to be out there and able to run around, and kick a ball again. I didn-t find the transition too difficult.
“I had a really good lead up and completed all the cross training that was required, and was up to it when I stepped in to it.”
While his injury is now behind him, its shadow, for the time being at least, remains ever present, forcing the 20-year old to be vigilant in his conditioning and preparation.
“It-s just a matter of making sure you get the loading right. Each week, you go through a certain amount of exercise, and certain amount of training,” he said.
“It-s also about, having the right footwear, and I-m seeing a podiatrist as well as my surgeon on occasion to make sure everything-s ok.”
In Taseski-s mind however, the greatest ongoing battle is to overcome the fear of injury, an unfortunate side effect for any athlete who has endured an extended stay on the sidelines.
“I think the main thing though is how you approach it mentally, making sure you are up for it and have no fear, you-re not scared going into it,” he said.
“That-s the main thing you have to think of when coming back from injury.”
