Scott Robertson does not expect to be in the running for Dundee United’s Scottish Cup final lineup but has absolutely no complaints.
The Scotland midfielder, who made his return from four months out against Motherwell on Sunday, is content just to be playing and training pain-free for the first time in more than a year.
“It’s 16 months all told since I was last feeling this good,” said Robertson.
“I’ve played in that time but never been right.”
Robertson has been dogged by a mystery groin complaint.
“I first got this injury in January 2009 and it’s been niggling away ever since,” he said.
“I’ve tried to come back from it several times and failed. I’m fine for the first game then it deteriorates.
“Initially I had pain on one side of the groin but as I tried to play through it the same thing started on the other side too.
“I’ve never actually had a proper diagnosis, in my opinion. I’ve been told it’s four or five different things.
“I’ve had an operation, then injections, then another operation. Then it was painkilling jags and being told to play through it.Strengthening”I’d tried everything without finding a cure, and I found myself really nipping the heads of our medical people at the club to find a means to sort me out.
“I spoke to loads of fellow players and physios from other clubs myself and somewhere in the midst of this I came across the idea of going to the National Sports Rehabilitation Centre at Lillieshall, where they told me the next thing to try was a strengthening and rehabilitation programme because it might be I just had a basic weakness in that area.
“I’ve been on that for a month and feel so much better and confident. I’ve been training pain-free and came through the wee run-out on Sunday fine.
“The 10 minutes against Motherwell was a start. Now I just want to get a couple of games in so I can be sure I am finally over this and can look ahead to pre-season training.
“Mentally it’s been tough and I need to be sure in my own mind that I’m finally over the injury before I can look forward.
“I’m not thinking about the cup final. Apart from anything else I don’t think I would merit a place in the squad.
“The boys who’ve got us there should be the ones being considered.
“Just to be back training every day is bonus enough for me.”
Robertson’s value to United, despite his lengthy absences, is set to be recognised shortly by the club opening talks with him over a new deal. His current contract expires next summer.