Blackburn Rovers: Scott Wharton on his Ewood Park return
After a protracted recuperation from injury, Scott Wharton’s first appearance at Ewood Park in 15 months was a welcome sight.
After sustaining a knee injury against Sheffield Wednesday in April 2024, Wharton underwent surgery and missed the entire season.
The center-back’s return to the team against Everton over the weekend thrilled the fans, and he even won Man of the Match for his strong performance against the Toffees.
He told RoversTV, “It’s great to be back at Ewood after a long time, my second game in pre-season.”
“I thought we played some good stuff at times, and the guys played really well.” For my part, I had fun and felt wonderful after finishing the game.
“It was beneficial for the boys because it was a good test against Premier League opponents.” Excellent preseason start, and we can begin our journey to Spain.
To be honest, I was anxious. Wharton jokingly said, “I didn’t need Everton as my second game back.” “A little nervous, just wanted to do the fundamentals correctly and avoid errors.”
“I think I did alright and enjoyed it. We were playing some good stuff, we had some good chances, we defended well as a team.
The gaffer and I have spent the last several weeks discussing our plans for the upcoming season, including our
pressing style and ball handling. I believe we got hints of how he wanted us to perform.
In the first half, the 27-year-old made a crucial clearance off the line to help Valerien Ismael’s team maintain their
winning preseason start.
“I haven’t played in 15 months, so it’s good to get a little boost of confidence when I step onto the pitch, even though
it was a preseason friendly,” he thought.
“I think [the fans] understand and can appreciate the hard times that I’ve been through. As a player games like this –
I know it’s pre-season but we got a win and clean sheet – that is what I pride myself on. We want to win games so a
good day.”
Wharton also played a week earlier against Accrington Stanley, but he isn’t overdoing it as he keeps improving his
agility.
The defender is feeling better every time he steps onto the grass, but he is aware that it will take some time to return
to full fitness.
He clarified, “Really, we have just been sensible with it.” I have been building myself up over the past few weeks, and
I haven’t gotten overly greedy.
The goal for me is to have a successful preseason and be available for the season’s opening game.
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