Garrick puts holiday on hold

Swansea City youngster Jordon Garrick has put his summer holidays on hold as he bids to be fit for the start of the 2018-19 season.

The 19-year-old winger tore his hamstring in the under-23s’ Premier League 2 victory over Leicester City in March.

The injury meant Garrick missed out on helping the young Swans challenge for the Division One and Premier League Cup titles.

Now Garrick, who scored five in 21 appearances and was nominated for the Swans’ young player of the season award, is determined to be ready for the new season.

“It was frustrating because the injury happened at a key point in the season,” Garrick said.

“It was hard to watch the team’s defeat against Arsenal (which ended league title hopes) and in the Premier League Cup final because you want to be involved and help the lads on the pitch.

“That disappointment has helped drive me to get myself fit and ready for the next campaign.

“Being out of action is disheartening but you have to stay positive and try not to let it affect you.

“Staying positive and mentally focused is one of the biggest aspects for injury recovery because an injury can be in the mind as well as the body.

“I believe that if you think negatively, an injury can take longer to heal. But if you stay positive, work hard in recovery and keep a smile on your face, you can come back quicker.”

Garrick is one of a handful of Swans players working with the club’s medical team at their Fairwood training ground this summer in preparation for next season.

“It would be nice to be at home with my family and planning some holiday time,” he added.

“But it is more important for me to sacrifice that and get fit for pre-season.

“I was given the option to work in the gym over the summer or come back for pre-season, which would have meant missing the start of the next campaign.

“Missing the start of the season was not an option for me.

“It can be hard to motivate yourself to get up every day and do some of the same thing in the gym with no-one around, but it is worth it because you come back a stronger person and player.

“Despite the injury, I was happy with how I progressed last season. My aim now is to continue that and become a better player in 2018-19.”