Canaries Rally Around Injured Teammates
Ruairi McConville says the squad has pulled together to support those sidelined by pre-season setbacks. After last season's muscular injury woes, the Canaries have overhauled their medical and sports science departments this summer in a bid to improve squad availability.
The early signs have been positive, with only Errol Mundle-Smith suffering a minor hamstring issue. However, recent contact injuries have cruelly ruled Lucien Mahovo, Kellen Fisher, and Jovon Makama out for the start of the new campaign, something McConville admits has been challenging for his teammates.
“It's tough for them. It's not easy, some of the situations the boys have found themselves in. You have to try and help them through it,” said the defender.
McConville Reflects on Squad Resilience
Kellen Fisher sustained a contact injury during training. McConville believes the situation highlights the strength of their squad. “I think it shows how good a squad we are. We try and keep everyone in good spirits, but some of the injuries are just unfortunate,” he stated.
“At the end of the day, it's part of the game. It might seem like we have more than other teams, but again, it's part of the game, and it's just unfortunate. Hopefully, when one player unfortunately gets injured, we have another player there ready to step in. That's the value of having a good squad.”
McConville Aims for Personal Growth
Having started last term out of favour under Liam Manning, McConville was handed his opportunity following Philippe Clement's arrival and went on to become a key figure, making 29 appearances despite missing a significant spell towards the end of the campaign through injury.
The Northern Irishman is now determined to build on his breakthrough season and take another leap forward this time around. “I want to play as many games as I can. I've set myself targets, and there are things I obviously want to achieve. I want to score goals, I want to keep clean sheets, and I'm sure others have the same aims, so it's just about doing that,” he said.
“I know there's still so much I can improve on in my game, and I think I'm at the best club to do that. I've got the best manager to help me do it and a great group of lads who will help me improve.”
“It's a great team to be part of and a great bunch of fans to play in front of. As many games as I can play, I'll be buzzing with,” he enthused. “It's now about doing the work on the training pitch and showing the manager he can trust me and play me. Once I'm in the team, I'll just try to make sure I don't get taken out.”