Maynard Dismisses Injury Fears

City striker Nicky Maynard has insisted he is on the road to recovery, allaying fans' fears that he may be out of action for the rest of the season with his knee injury.

Last season's 21-goal top-scorer has yet to make an appearance so far this season after picking up a knee injury in pre-season and his absence in the Robins attack is all too apparent.

"I have had fans coming up to me and saying they've heard I'm going to be out for the season, or even finished, and that's simply not the case," Maynard told the Bristol Evening Post.

"It's never been like that. Before the surgeon went into the knee, he told me it could be a nine-month job, but I think he wanted to prepare me for the worst."

The former Crewe striker went under the knife last month after experiencing discomfort in the knee at the back end of last season and his surgeon insists he will be back sooner rather than later.

"When I came round after the operation, he told me it had been a success and that I would be back within three or four months.
"I'm a month and a half in now and despite what some people are saying I'm on track.

"I'm on schedule to play again before Christmas and, if it's any earlier, that will be a bonus."

The 23-year-old has been in this position before after suffering a cruciate ligament injury for Crewe three years ago and it seems Maynard has learnt not to rush back too soon.

"I had a broken leg earlier in my career when I was at Crewe and probably tried coming back a bit too soon.

"I scored a goal in my first game back but my overall game was not as good as it should have been. It took me about 10 games to get properly fit and back to my best again.

"I'm not going to hurry things because, when I do come back, I want to be firing on all cylinders again."

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