A couple of weeks ago Bristol Rovers' defender Danny Coles had an eventful afternoon against Leyton Orient - to say the least! He scored an own goal, then redeemed himself by finding the net at the right end, before injuring his knee during his goal celebration and was consequently substituted. Coles has since undergone surgery for cartilage damage but is hoping to make his return for the Pirates within the next fortnight.
Givemefootball.com's Mark Shail spoke exclusively to Coles to get the latest update on his rehab, as well as discussing the impressive form of teammate Rickie Lambert, whose four-goal salvo against Southend at the weekend took his seasonal tally to a remarkable 15.
WHAT IS THE LATEST ON YOUR INJURY?
I had an operation about ten days ago to repair a torn cartilage and the surgeon, former England rugby international Jonathan Webb, said he was pleased with how things went. Now it's a case of stepping up my work gradually and if everything goes to plan I should be back playing in around ten days time.
SO THE KNEE IS FEELING GOOD?
I know it sounds strange, but it actually felt much better the very next day after I had the surgery. The bend in my knee feels much more comfortable now and so far everything is on course.
TELL US HOW YOU ACTUALLY INJURED THE KNEE?
It was weird. I scored an own goal against Leyton Orient and then scored a proper goal at the other end and off I went celebrating to the fans. But when I came to a stop I felt something go in my knee. I tried to play on but knew something was wrong and I had to come off a couple of minutes later. It was a daft thing to happen and I don't imagine the gaffer was best pleased.
WITH YOUR PREVIOUS KNEE PROBLEMS DURING PRE-SEASON, IT'S BEEN A FRUSTRATING START TO THE CAMPAIGN FOR YOU, HASN'T IT?
Yes it has. I injured my medial ligament and was forced to miss the first few weeks of the season, although it wasn't the same knee that I've injured now. When I returned to side we lost the first game but then drew two and won two so it felt like the team and me personally were starting to make progress. So to be sidelined again when I felt I was coming into form was annoying.
IS IT FAIR TO SAY ROVERS HAVE STRUGGLED FOR CONISTENCY SO FAR THIS SEASON?
Yes I think that is right. The boys found it hard early on in the season because we never really knew what performance we were going to produce from one week to the next. But gradually we have started to become more consistent and the recent signs are looking a lot more encouraging.
TELL US ABOUT THE ATTRIBUTES OF TOP SCORER RICKIE LAMBERT?
He's just on fire at present and everything he touches just seems to be flying into the net. He's got a great touch, holds the ball up well and is so strong - he's been bullying defenders this season and long may it continue. If he had a yard more pace I could definitely see him playing at the highest level.
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