Joe Rodon | Mental toughness key to recovery

Joe Rodon found his injury absence to be a big mental challenge, and hopes the strength required to get through a tough period stands him in good stead for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old centre-half has recently returned after three months on the sidelines following ankle tendon surgery.

It follows on from the broken metatarsal that kept him out for a similar spell of his breakthrough campaign last term.

The Wales international admits there was a huge sense of frustration after seeing an excellent start to the season halted by injury.

But having produced an outstanding display in his first start since October against Preston – a showing that earned the praise of head coach Steve Cooper – Rodon is desperate to press on.

“All the boys that have experienced a long-term injury will tell you that it’s not where you want to be,” he said.

“This time around, I understood the physical aspects that were expected of me, but mentally, it was way tougher.

“I am delighted my hard work has paid off and luckily, things went well for me at Preston.

“The first three months of the season were going really well and it was a great experience everywhere I went.

“It was frustrating but I’m glad to put a shift in with the boys and get the 90 minutes.

“I just want more and more of that in these games ahead."