Walsall duo Reece Flanagan and Maz Kouhyar grateful to physios
Injured duo Reece Flanagan and Maz Kouhyar have paid tribute to Walsall's medical staff as they close in on a return to the first team.
The talented youngsters have both endured extended spells on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
Flanagan ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) back in April and is now hoping to force his way into Jon Whitney's plans in the new year.
Kouhyar, who returned to training last week, also had an operation on his knee after picking up an injury while on international duty with Afghanistan in October.
And with their rehabilitation almost done, both thanked club physios Marc Czuczman and Hannah Price for the roles they have played in their recovery.
"It's difficult to take at first, when you are told you are going to be out for a long time," Flanagan said.
"But the staff have always taken things month by month and told me how I'm going to progress.
"They made it clear what I had to do and they got me to work in shorter periods. I think that has helped me in the long term not to think too far ahead.
"But now it's coming to an end, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm almost training now.
"I've spent months watching the lads train, wishing I was out there. I can almost smell the grass now.
"But I can't even say how good Mark and Hannah have been. From day one they have supported me.
"They took me to my surgery appointments. Hannah was actually in the room when I had my surgery. They have both done so much."
Those sentiments were echoed by Kouhyar who added: "Both Mark and Hannah make you feel so calm. You know you are in safe hands with them.
"You listen to their guidance and whatever they say, you do because you will come out better and stronger."
Kouhyar said he has worked hard during his injury to make sure the time wasn't wasted.
"When you are fit you know the things you can improve," he added. "When you are injured, things like passing and shooting you can't work on. What you can do is work on body fat, strength, fitness, to stay close to the other players. They are getting better every day so you have to keep working hard so you don't fall behind."
