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Clare determined to bounce back

14/ 5/2008

WITH County currently in the midst of a thrilling promotion play-off campaign, unlucky defender Rob Clare has been reflecting on a frustraing 2007/08 season during which he hasn’t kicked a ball in anger.

Former England Under-20 international Clare played a major role in County’s success towards the end of the 2006/07 season, but limping out of the game at Macclesfield on April 14 last year has proved to be the last time he featured in competitive action.

A knee injury was the initial problem for Clare, then tendonitis set in and, as if that wasn’t enough, following a subsequent operation last summer, he sustained a stress fracture of his shin.

Clare told Pure FM: "It’s alright watching the lads, but you’re still frustrated because you want to be out there.

"You cheer them on, but there’s nothing like being out there yourself.

"It has been disappointing for me, but I will get right at some point and hopefully, when I do, I can prove my point."

County fans will be echoing those sentiments and hoping the 25-year-old, who has already racked up 200 appearances for the Hatters, will soon be fighting to get his first-team place back.

"All I want to do is play football really," added Clare.

"Every time you get knocked back you think ‘are you going to play again?’ and ‘when’s the next game you’re going to play?’.

"It all adds up to being frustrating for everyone - the gaffer included.

"I just want to get right now and put the injury nightmare to bed and move on.

"People say you either laugh or you cry, so I’ve been trying to laugh more than I’ve been crying.

"That’s my way of dealing with it."