O’Neill on journey back to full fitness
Jacques O'Neill speaks to castlefordtigers.com about his road to recovery!
After his 2021 season was unfortunately cut short due to injury, young forward Jacques O’Neill has stated he is now on his way back to full fitness as he looks ahead to an exciting 2022!
The Tigers Academy graduate spoke to castlefordtigers.com and began by detailing the rehabilitation work he is doing and what his road ahead looks like in terms of recovery.
“The operation all went well down in London. I had to have my hamstring re-attached and at the moment I am just resting at the minute really, just doing a bit of rehab every day.
“I am not doing too much just to let it heal, I’m just taking every day as it comes at the minute. I have been practicing extending my knee and making sure I can do that properly and then I got my leg brace off.
“I was on crutches and moving forward hopefully I can start doing a bit more.”
Being forced to sit on the side lines during a season is never easy for a player, as they always want to be right in the heart of the action with their teammates.
However, O’Neill explained that his colleagues in the Cas camp kept his spirits high when he began rehab work.
“I don’t know how many of the boys have messaged me. People were ringing me that much that I wasn’t able to answer.
“All the boys texting me asking if everything is alright and that makes you feel good when you are a bit down.”
Last term was a trying period for O’Neill, with the 22-year-old making six appearances during an injury disturbed season, although Jacques is relishing the opportunity of being part of the #NewCasEra with Lee Radford at the helm.
“It wasn’t the best season for me personally and I didn’t really feel part of it last year because of my injuries. I only played a few games and picked up four injuries, so it was tough.
“To watch the boys go out at Wembley was good for them and that drove me a bit more to get back for next year. I am ready to go, and I just can’t wait to be part of it again.
“It is exciting with Radders coming in with Andy Last and Danny Wilson, it is real good times at the minute.”
O’Neill will be reunited with his former academy teammate Callum McLelland in 2022, and along with plenty of the club’s youngsters extending their stay at Wheldon Road, the Tiger is pleased to see so much talent representing the club at First Team level.
“I don’t think there has been this many youngsters coming through at the same time as there is at the minute. We have signed Callum McLelland and Alex Suttcliffe who are both young which is really good to see.
“We have the older players with other young lads coming through, so it is only going to be good for our squad depth.”
Next campaign sees plenty of new faces as the club enters a new chapter in its history with eight signings and a new coaching staff headed by Radford.
When asked about the additions to the playing squad, Jacques put forward that there is going to be competition for places all over the pitch next year.
“The recruitment for next year is really good. You look at our team for next year and there are some great players coming in. You put that with the great players that are still here, and it means everyone is going to be pushing every week
“You won’t be able to have a bad game or else you will be taken out so I think everyone will strive to be the best.”
The Fords faithful love nothing more than seeing a player come through the Academy and going on to represent the Tigers’ First Team.
In closing, O’Neill laid out just how much he is looking forward to running out in front of a packed-out Jungle once again.
“I can’t wait for it because it is frustrating at the minute. Not being able to run or train is tough and when I can start to do a bit more, I’ll be ready to go.
“I am so keen for next year; I always am, but for next year I have got loads to give.”
Click HERE to watch Jacques’ interview in full on Tigers TV!