Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi discusses his health and battling with Chris Wood for a place in Reds XI
Striker Taiwo Awoniyi hopes his injury troubles are behind him as he pushes for a place in the Nottingham Forest first XI.
The 27-year-old is determined to get back on track after being hampered by various fitness issues. Surgery to correct a long-standing groin problem, followed by a thigh injury sidelined him for significant spells last term. He then missed a chunk of pre-season this summer due to personal reasons.
He has been a substitute for the Reds’ first three games of the current Premier League campaign, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United. Given Chris Wood already has two goals to his name this season, Awoniyi faces a fight to get into the starting line-up as the Reds prepare to visit his former club, Liverpool, on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
“That is football for you,” the Nigerian told SportsBoom.com of being on the bench. “Sometimes you come on early, sometimes you start a game.
“Nottingham Forest is a team full of talent and players who can be trusted. I just need to keep pushing and keep working hard.
“It feels great to be back. After a period away due to injury, returning to play is what every footballer hopes for. I’m really happy to be back on the field.
“I am back, I’m healthy and fine. This topic is very hard to go into. But as a player, this is a phase you cannot miss. When it happens, you feel bad about it. But you just must get going and you just have to stay fit and do the best for yourself.
“Talking about targets for this season, I will keep that to myself. Every player has what they are looking forward to and that goes for me as well.
“I will keep going as it comes and I work very hard. With the injury I have suffered in the last couple of months, I just have to focus on my fitness and the goals will start coming again.”
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