'I thought City days had gone'

From the archive, first published Tuesday 21st Feb 2006.

Owen Morrison today admitted: I thought I'd kicked my last ball for Bradford City.

The enigmatic winger was hoping to negotiate a comeback game for the reserves against Oldham this afternoon - and

put himself in the frame for a shock call-up at League One whipping boys MK Dons on Saturday.

Morrison has been plagued by a back problem all season which has restricted him to only seven starts. His last appearance was as an extra-time substitute in the FA Cup against Barnsley.

"It's been so frustrating because I've missed about five months

altogether," he said.

"It was getting to the stage where I'd almost written off the chance of playing for Bradford again.

"I've not done anywhere near

as well as I expected to here but the injury has always held me back."

Morrison had a run of games before Christmas but his performances were hampered by the on-going problem in an area above his left hip.

"I probably rushed back too early because I was so desperate to play," he said.

"But I was only operating at 60 to 70 per cent because of the pain so I wasn't doing myself justice.

"After a while there was no point in me really going on because I was just getting worse and worse with each game. The injury was always on my mind."

Morrison only began running again ten days ago on a treadmill but, after a week of intensive treatment at the national sports rehabilitation centre in Lilleshall, he is now back in full training with the first team.

"It feels about 95 per cent now," he said. "I still get a slight twinge every now and again but nothing to worry about.

"I didn't think I would be back for another two or three weeks but it's great to be involved again and the gaffer (Colin Todd) has welcomed me back with open arms.

"The midfield has been disrupted with suspensions and injuries but from what I've seen lately, I don't think anyone has really taken the game by the scruff of the neck - and that's what I will try to do."

The 24-year-old has infuriated Todd at times and knows that his time at Valley Parade is running out. As one of 15 players whose contracts are up in the summer, Morrison needs to perform quickly.

He said: "I still hope to stay at Bradford but they aren't going to want a player who has been injured all season. That's why it's so important I'm back in now.

"At the end of the day, I'm playing for my future as well. I want to be here next season but if I don't stay, at least I'm in the shop window and playing games."

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