LEE NOVAK today gave Huddersfield Town a massive lift by promising: “I’ll be back ahead of schedule.”
The 21-year-old frontman is well on the road to recovery from a knee injury and, on the eve of Town’s final pre-season friendly at Scunthorpe United tomorrow (3.00), Novak is poised to return to full training.
“I’m feeling better and stronger every day and, so far, everything is going to plan,” said the striker, who bagged 14 goals last season in becoming a crowd favourite.
“I’ve been running since last week, stepping it up during this week and there’s even been a bit of ball work in the last couple of days, so I am ahead of schedule with my rehab.
“It was always the aim of myself and the physio to be ready for the start of the season and we are just about there, although I’ve not had any pre-season games so I’ve got to be patient.”
Manager Lee Clark has stressed Novak will not be rushed back, but his signing from Gateshead is straining at the leash.
“I can’t wait to get playing again and prove that I’m worth my place in the team again,” he explained.
“Going to the gym and watching the lads train is not what I want to be doing. I want to be back challenging the other strikers as quickly as I can.
“This is the second time I’ve had this injury, so I know I need to get my right knee stronger, but it really does feel as though it’s now settled down and I’m feeling like I can build from here.”
After tomorrow’s match, Town are into the action proper against Notts County at Meadow Lane next weekend.
“The players we’ve brought in are of unbelievable quality, the spirit in the camp is brilliant and we are all looking forward to the big kick-off,” added Novak.
“My aim is to challenge the other strikers for a starting spot as quickly as I can and, with the way things are going, I’m right on course to do that.”
