Tendon hurts defender Swirad’s chances for new team Selangor

Long wait: Nicholas Swirad is raring to get back into action again.

PETALING JAYA: Injuries have been a perennial problem for England-born centreback Nicholas Swirad.

The former Melaka and PKNS defender earned a national call-up last year but a groin injury denied him his debut. He seemed to have shrugged off the injury in the pre-season after joining Selangor and was in great form for his new team – until a tendon injury struck.

Despite the injury, he was on the substitutes bench and even had an appearance in the Super League, but as a rightback.

Now, the centreback cannot wait to play again, even though he has to wait for another four months to play in the Super League.

“I am enjoying my time in Selangor. It is different and crazy because the spotlight is definitely on this team a lot more than my previous clubs, ” said the 28-year-old.

“I did obviously have the injury problems. Well, anyone who saw the pre-season games know that I have contributed a lot to this team. If the coach thinks the defence is doing okay when you are out, then you just have to wait for your next chance again.

“This is football, this is life. It is not a reflection of my performances, it is just things outside of my control, to be honest with you. Obviously, we had a long pre-season, about three months and I picked up a little tendonitis injury. It is frustrating, but this is the way football is.”

The Malaysian League will make its return in September behind closed doors with several changes after being suspended on May 16.

“I know all players are desperate to get back. From a personal point of view, I do not want to lose a year of my career, so we are all desperate, ” said Swirad.

“With regards to the schedule, it will be pretty tight, but it is our jobs and we just have deal with it. In the past, we have had the Malaysia Cup and the league at the same time.

“The quality of the game does go down and the chances for injury increases, that is pretty much a standard fact due to the accumulated fatigue. For Swirad, once the league resumes, he is eager to replicate his pre-season form and hopes to play in the centreback position.

“I am patient because I have shown what I can do during the pre-season. I am feeling much better now and just waiting for my chance.

“After last year’s call-up to the national team for the Airmarine Cup, getting back into the squad has been in my mind this year, and for that to kind of happen, I need to be playing at my best.”