Andrius Velicka is aiming to come back a better footballer after suffering knee ligament damage.
Gers striker not getting down over long-term blow
Andrius Velicka is aiming to come back a better footballer after suffering knee ligament damage just six minutes into his Bristol City debut.
The Lithuanian striker joined the Robins on a season-long loan from Rangers, but his Championship stint has been drastically cut short.
He emerged off the bench against QPR in midweek to make his debut, however, a freak accident saw Velicka's studs become trapped causing knee ligament damage.
The 30-year-old has been told he will need around a year on the sidelines in rehab, although he is hoping the damage is not as severe and he may be able to return sooner.
Velicka is trying not to get too down over the injury and has vowed to return a better player, even if his next action is next season.
Disappointing
"It's disappointing. It's the same for every footballer," he told the
Daily Record.
"I was just on the park and went for a high ball, I think from a throw-in. One of their players gave me a push in the back and that put me off balance.
"I landed awkwardly and my studs caught in the grass. The knee twisted and I heard an awful grinding noise. I knew right away it wasn't good.
"The ligament is not great and they said I'd be a year out. It was a lot to take in. My spirits were pretty low on Tuesday night.
"They won't be able to operate for four weeks because that's how long it will take for the swelling to go down. I can't really feel sorry for myself.
"My best hope is that when they open up the knee, it might not be quite so bad and I'll be back a bit quicker. If not, then I'm aiming for next pre-season.
"A year does sound like a long time right now but I can't allow myself to get too down. I'm very confident I will be back from this an even better player."
