Grimsby Town's Liam Hearn thankful for 'great' reception from fans

LIAM Hearn admits he questioned whether he would ever play again – after making his surprise Grimsby Town comeback on Saturday.

The striker ended almost seven months of frustration when he came off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Cambridge.

After safely negotiating the final 24 minutes of the clash without suffering any ill effects from the Achilles he ruptured in August, he was delighted to be back in action.

“It’s under bad circumstances because we’re disappointed with the result, but overall it’s been a long, tough six-and-a-half months,” the striker said.

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“Obviously it’s been good to see the lads doing well but it’s also frustrating because you want to be out there.

“The fans gave me a great reception when I came on. I was disappointed not to get a goal but hopefully I can go again tomorrow.

In Pictures: Grimsby Town v Cambridge United

“I felt really good. I expected to be blowing a bit after a few runs but I felt good.

“My lungs were good, my legs felt good. I felt I could have done a little bit more at times but obviously that will come with sharpness.”

“I had a half chance which unfortunately went wide, but it’s pretty positive. Now, I need to rest up, see my family and go again tomorrow.

“Six-and-a-half months is a long time. Mooro’s (Dave Moore) had me working hard every day since I could. And I’ve had that desire within myself to want to come back because I wanted to play some games.

“I’m nowhere near ready for a start yet but hopefully I can keep building these ten minutes up and start pushing for a start.

“There have been times when I haven’t been as positive. There are times when you question whether you’re going to play football again.

“And it doesn’t help when you’ve got people around you – I’m not going to name names – asking me if I would play again, whether I would be as strong when I come back.

“They’re not the things you want to hear. You don’t need people like that, so I chose to distance myself from those people and just remain positive.

“I’ve not had an easy life. I’ve had it tough from quite a young age so for me this was just another obstacle that I had to overcome. The positivity shone through and now I’m back playing.

“I want to stay injury free and just chip in with a few goals to try to help the boys out. I’ll always help but it’s important not to get too carried away.

“Being out so long, there’s always the possibility of a different injury occurring, so I have to remain positive but keep my feet on the ground and take each game as it comes.

“This was the worst injury I’ve ever had by a long distance. I didn’t realise how bad it was when I first did it.

“I didn’t even take my crutches to the scan because I thought I was going to be all right, but obviously it proved to be one of the worst injuries you can have as a footballer.

“As I said, you question whether you’re ever going to play again but I’m here now and I’m back, and hopefully I can keep it going.”