Defender Bozo Mikulic has spoken of the “great feeling” after making his long-awaited return to action.
The Croatian centre-half spent almost a year on the sidelines following a training ground ACL injury last February.
His hard work, dedication and commitment has been clear for all to see at McDiarmid Park and, on Tuesday, he started and played 60 minutes of our KDM Evolution Trophy win against Ross County.
Bozo smiled: “It was a great feeling to be back. Finally I am back after 11 months out.
“The most important thing was that nothing bad happened – and that we managed to win the game and get through.
“It was a big game so I must say thank you to the coach for putting me in. It is a high level and it is not easy to put someone back in who has been out for almost a year. I’m very thankful.
“Of course, I still need more time to feel fully fit. Even in the first half I felt some tough moments, but in the second half I did feel better.
“I think 60 minutes was enough for me. That was always going to be the plan.”
Bozo was actually in line to start the initial game with Ross County on January 6, but that was postponed.
“It was planned that I would start that one,” Bozo said. “To be honest, I didn’t expect I would start again in the game on Tuesday night.
“But I was told the day before that I would play and, as always, I prepared myself in the best way that I could.”
Bozo received a special round of applause when he was substituted on the hour mark before again receiving a warm reception when thanking the fans at full-time.
He said: “I have to say that I have appreciated the support throughout this period when I was out. I was so thankful for the applause from the supporters on Tuesday.”
He added: “I have put in a lot of work but I still need the game fitness.
“The most important thing is that I train well and feel healthy, then everything will be good. We have our goals together, I am part of this team and I will do everything for them. When the team needs me, I will be ready.”
