INVERURIE Locos may soon have a local favourite back in their regular starting line ups much earlier than expected after a speedy return from long term injury.
Versatile Ally Graham has not featured this season and back in September underwent the surgeon's knife to reconstruct ankle ligaments. The operation was a great success and the player was the recent subject of a player appraisal by his boss Dave Corm
ie, but now Ally says it is time to show the gaffer all the rehabilitation work has been worthwhile.
He said: "It is fair to say I have been out for a good while but I am now available for selection and if I get the chance to play between now and the end of the season it will be a huge bonus. I was not expected to play again this season but I saw my surgeon three weeks ago and was given the all clear to start playing again.
"I played the whole game at Deveronvale in the Under 21s and 80 minutes of a full scale practice match last week and there has been no after match effects on either occasion. All the gym work, cycling, treadmill and all the rest is made worthwhile when you come back and in good fitness condition."
Graham has been a loyal club servant, and his dedication rewarded back in late summer when he was secured on an extended three year contract . A product of Colony Boys Club, he was a 2001 Players' Player of the Year at the club. He has been a consistent performer at Highland League level showing his ability to play in either full back position or in wide midfield roles.
Meanwhile, this Saturday (February 16), Locos are at home in the first of two crucial home games on the trot. With Buckie Thistle coming calling next week they will want to secure full points against Rothes, a side who only lost to a last gasp Andy Low goal for the Jags last week.
Kick off is at 3pm, and Locos will at last get the chance to make amends for their 4-0 defeat by Fraserburgh recently, having been frustrated by a free date and postponement of their game at Fort William last week, the only game off in the Highland League.
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