RICKY SAVOURS SLICE OF ACTION

Winger’s so glad to get his boots on

- Paul Martin

A GOALLESS draw against Stevenage in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek may not have made headlines, but it meant the world to Ricky Holmes.

After all, it was the 33-year old Northampton’s winger’s first start for two years on Tuesday night.

Holmes rejoined the Cobblers at the start of November having not played since a loan spell at Oxford from Sheffield United in 2018 due to a back injury that left him on the verge of retirement.

The final start of his time with the U’s came on November 17, 2018, and, two years later to the day, he was finally back on the pitch from the off.

He explained that it was linking up with Northampton fitness coach Pablo Garcia – “a guru to me” – that put him on the comeback trail.

Comeback

“After a serious knee injury, people can be back in six months – it took me 23 with my back!” said Holmes.