Lucas Ness says he cannot wait to return for pre-season as he continues to progress positively in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury.
The 21-year-old's impressive breakthrough campaign was cut short in March when he sustained a patella tendon injury against Accrington Stanley.
“I can’t wait to get back," said the defender. "I just want to pick up where I left off really and have a good run of games again.
“I’m getting there - I started running last week so I’ve had two running sessions and I’ve been back outside. We’re building it up.
"I’m going back to see the specialist this week and then I’ll be back in pre-season right away and I can’t wait to get started.”
Prior to the injury, Ness had earned 16 consecutive starts and played every minute under Dean Holden.
"It’s been amazing, sort of a bit unexpected really," he reflected. "Obviously at the start of the season I wasn’t in and around it and I went on loan down to Torquay for a month which was brilliant for my development. I then came back and was almost thrown in at the deep end, which I really enjoyed. I've had a lot of good experiences, obviously the Brighton game here at The Valley and the game at Old Trafford, so it's been an amazing season for me personally.
“I had a good run of games and I was picking up some good form and training every day I was developing so much. The boys and the coaches around me were helping me so although the transition to first team football was hard, it was made easier by the people around me.”
Ness' consistent performances were recognised by supporters, who voted the centre-back as their Player of the Month for January and February.
“It’s a lovely feeling to get that recognition from the fans. I love the fans and I’m thankful for the support they’ve given me. I’m very grateful to get those two trophies as a result of that.
“The fans are like our 12th man and they help us so much. When results aren’t going our way we can always rely on them. They’re always so loud and they always have our backs so we’re very thankful for them."
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(Article by Gregg Baxter)