Wednesday 5 October 2011 15:16, UK
Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington has a new outlook on life as a footballer after almost half a year on the sidelines.
What at first seemed like a minor knock in a reserve-team fixture in April eventually led to hip surgery and a long lay-off for the talented Wales Under-21s international, who is now approaching full fitness. The youngster has revealed how all that time out of action has led to him discovering an extra passion for the game. "Five-and-a-half months of being injured and watching games from the stands is hard," he told the club's official website. "With all the games I've missed, I treasure going on and try to make the most of it. "You never know what will happen and whether you will be out for a while. I've got to remind myself of how much of a pleasure it is to play."