TOP scorer Padraig Amond feared his season was over after fracturing his elbow in a freak training ground accident, but he’s back ahead of schedule and determined to fire Newport County AFC to the League Two play-offs.
The incident, which was kept under wraps by the Exiles, happened on March 20 but the postponement of the home clash with Oldham Athletic due to the Latics' international call-ups meant the striker only missed one match – last week’s win at Yeovil Town.
Amond returned to action off the bench as County drew 0-0 with Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade on Saturday and he insists he’s ready to start in tomorrow night’s home clash with Swindon Town.
“I fractured my elbow in training before we were supposed to play Oldham,” explained the 30-year-old.
“It was just an awkward fall on my arm and it just popped the wrong way.
“I did think it was going to be a lot longer. I thought the season was finished, so I’m quite pleased that it’s only been two weeks.
“I think it’s worked out quite well with me only missing the Yeovil game last week.
“The pain has gone now and I’m ready to go.”
Amond was a frustrated figure as he watched his teammates struggle to find a breakthrough against promotion rivals Tranmere before he replaced Robbie Willmott with just eight minutes remaining.
“I’m ready to play,” he said. “I was obviously disappointed not to start but I’m ready to play when I’m called upon.
“Whatever the gaffer decides, I’m happy with that but I’m ready to go.
“I was out there warming up the whole time, making sure I was ready, and I was itching to get on from about 25 seconds into the game.”
It may only have been a brief cameo, but Saturday saw Amond notch up his 100th appearance for the club since his move from Hartlepool United in August 2017.
“I’m obviously really pleased to have made my 100th appearance,” said the Irishman, who has netted 35 goals in a County shirt and 21 in 49 games so far this season.
“I would rather it was from the beginning but it’s just one of those things.
“I pride myself on being available for every game. I think last week was the first game where I wasn’t available for about six or seven years.
“I’ve been quite lucky with injuries throughout my career so, touch wood, I can keep it that way and go on to make may more appearances for the club and throughout the rest of my career.
“I’m still young, no matter how many people try to push me over the hill at 30. I feel as fit as I ever have and I’m ready to go again.”
Scot Bennett and back-up goalkeeper Nick Townsend, who both missed the win at Yeovil, were not involved again on Saturday and the pair are doubtful for tomorrow’s visit of the Robins.
Read more: County 0 Tranmere 0 - match report from Rodney Parade
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