After defeats in their last three games, there is some good news for Gillingham fans ahead of Saturday’s trip to Yorkshire for the first time since the opening day of the season, Irish central defender Conor Masterson is in the match day squad and poised for a potential return. 

Talking to KSN this week, Masterson spoke of his relief ahead of his potential return as well as his frustration at not playing since early August.

He told us, “If selected, then I am ready to go, whatever I’m asked to do, really looking forward to it.” 

“It has been tough watching on from the sidelines! I have never really had to do this in my career before for a long period, it has been tough and I have never had this injury before and it really has been frustrating but my family, friends and my girlfriend have all been there for me along with the club as well, but it is so nice to be back training again.

“The worst thing about being a professional footballer is being injured and not being able to help your team. I was even more frustrated as I thought I was coming back earlier and then I wasn’t, it really has been a frustrating period for myself. It is so nice just be out there in however many training sessions I have done now feeling good and being ready to go.” 

The defender has been missing suffering from tendonitis and confessed, “I have never had it before and do not know if I will again! I hope not but have been given exercises to keep on top of it, so fingers crossed it is fine now!” 

“Been watching from the stands and of course I have been thinking “what could I have done there?” “What would I have done differently at a goal?” of course you do that, but any player will tell you in the heat of the moment, it is totally different. The lads have been great with me supporting me they really are a good group; we have really gelled and the new lads who have come in have certainly added something.” 

Masterson then spoke about Gills boss Mark Bonner; “I have actually played with him before, he was at Cambridge and took me on loan from Queens Park Rangers before I came to Gillingham. I knew what he was like and know that he is a top guy and really enjoy working with him. With him coming to a new Club and new surroundings, he wants to impress, and I want to impress him, so it has helped me a little bit.” 

“We want to get back on the winning train as this is only a little blip and we all know what we have in the dressing room, there is a renewed determination definitely as this week, training has gone up a level and competitive in terms of paces and stuff; it has been really good.”  

Reflecting on Saturday’s trip to the University of Bradford Stadium, Masterson said, “Its obviously not great losing three games in a row, but if you look at the table, we are flying and we have a strong squad, so we are looking forward to the weekend. Every game is tough in League Two, but this is just a little blip which we can hopefully put right on Saturday.”