Jamie Reid has spoken of the difficulty in coping with his injury nightmare as the Exeter City striker continues to recover from a long-term pelvic condition.
The 19-year-old Northern Ireland under-21 international made just four league appearances last season after being diagnosed with osteitis pubis, which causes pain around the pelvis and abdomen.
Reid endured a six-month chunk out of action before a brief return to the squad, and he has spent the summer looking to overcome the problem in time for pre-season training.
But he concedes that it has been a long, frustrating and difficult process – particularly when other members of City's squad are starting to gear up for the new season.
"I just really want to get back playing," said Reid. "I am getting there. I still go for rehab at the moment but it has been a very frustrating time.
"It is such an annoying injury because you can't really do much with it, which is frustrating. Every time I thought it was all right, I played and messed it up again.
"It is tough watching all the boys out there playing football, especially when the weather is so good.
"It is so frustrating going to the park and watching the boys doing all of the things that I want to be doing.
"I think I should be able to pick myself up where I left off. My only goal at the moment is to get fit and back to where I was. That is the only thing I can set myself at the moment – I am not looking too far ahead."
The most common symptom of osteitis pubis is pain or tenderness around the pelvis when exercising, making it a difficult problem to deal with for anybody involved in physically demanding with sports.
The condition, whose cause is unknown, affects the pubic symphysis – a joint which connects the pelvis at the front of the body.
Treatment often includes physiotherapy and a variety of low-impact training methods – some of which have become all too familiar to Reid.
"I have a lot of ice baths and do a lot of core work. I couldn't really run so I have been told to completely rest," said Reid, who hopes to return to the Grecians' pre-season training on Monday.
"I'm having to do lots of things like pilates and stuff like that. It is driving me up the wall. I do know how to ride a bike very well now but that is pretty much the only good thing to come out of it.
"You just have to be strong and look after yourself off the field. I am looking forward to putting it behind me and hopefully returning fit."
