Joe looking for a lift

Joe Jacobson

JOE JACOBSON hopes to put his injury nightmare behind him by embarking on a playing comeback tonight.

The Wales Under-21 international endured a succession of problems which restricted him to only 22 league appearances for Bristol Rovers last season.

And after signing a two-year deal with Athletic on a free transfer in the summer, the unlucky left-back has not yet managed to turn out for the first team this season after being diagnosed with osteitis pubis, which affects the pelvic region.

Jacobson suffered a setback when attempting to start his comeback in mid-September but is hoping for better luck tonight when he is part of the Athletic reserves side which takes on a strong Blackpool outfit at Ewen Fields (7pm kick-off).

“Up until the last couple of weeks I haven’t been able to really strike a ball or run properly,” said Jacobson. “It is frustrating, because you can do a lot but not those top-end things that you really need.

“I got injured a few times last season but they were all impact injuries in games. I got hit with a late tackle and did my knee ligaments, broke a rib and then broke a toe.

“This is more muscular, so it is a different sort of injury. Overall, the last 18 months has been a nightmare.

“Like all footballers say, all I want to do is play games and being injured is the worst thing possible.

“I have spent three months now trying to get fit by working with the physio. So hopefully now it is all fixed and I feel ready to play.”

Jacobson made an unexpected, albeit non-playing, comeback on the bench for the Huddersfield game at the weekend.

With Alan Sheehan having gone back to Saturday’s opponents Leeds United after his second month on loan expired, the Cardiff-born player is hopeful he can slot straight in to the vacant left-back slot for the FA Cup first round tie against the West Yorkshire side.

“If I can get through 90 minutes in the reserves, or however long they want me to play, then I will be putting myself up to play at the weekend.

“Alan Sheehan has gone back and while there are one or two other players who can play there, hopefully I can play and stay in the team.”

Reserves (from): Ollerenshaw, McKerr, Black, Rowney, Jacobson, Esdaile-Biney, Trialist, Trialist, Blackman, Brooke, Steer, Csorba, Routledge, Eaves, Tarkowski, Bembo-Leta.

Blackpool’s squad includes former Manchester United midfielder Daniel Nardiello, Alhassan Bangura, who played for Watford, Wales international Rob Edwards and ex-Huddersfield Town striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

ENTRY to Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at home to Leeds United is by ticket only and they must be bought in advance from the ground.

No tickets will be available on the day, and the club shop will open later than normal at noon and shut before kick-off at 5.15pm.