Hartlepool United defender Reiss McNally expressed his delight at returning from long-term injury, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Woking in the Enterprise National League.
After almost four months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, McNally was back on the pitch for Pools last time out in a 2-1 win against then league leaders Rochdale, unexpectedly replacing Jack Hunter early on.
The defender told local press, “I think it was probably best for me just to be thrown in the deep end. There wasn’t much time to think, just straight in the thick of it.
“Just to be back out there, I didn’t even want to come off. I wanted to stay on, I’ll always try to play on.
“Obviously, my body is still getting used to it. [In] pre-season, you usually have a few games to build up. Straight away, I was in.
“It’s weird, because George (Evans) and I have a really good relationship, even though we haven’t really played together.
“He gives us lots of confidence, and hopefully that can continue.”
McNally highlighted the unity of the Pools defence.
“All the defenders, I think we have a good relationship, good understanding.
“Whoever is playing, whoever comes in, we’ve all got each other’s backs”
Pools will hope to capitalise on the three points at the Wham Stadium in their rearranged fixture against the Cards, with the defender hoping for ‘consistency’.
McNally added: “[The] last game means nothing if we don’t back it up against Woking.
“It’s important to focus game by game, not look too far ahead, not keep looking at the past.
“So, everyone’s going to be on it, raring to go, and hopefully get the three points.”
The player also spoke on the support of everyone at Pools during his time on the sidelines, saying:
“[The team have] been really supportive and been there to help me out when the days have been tough.
“Aswell, there are always people going through much, much worse, you’ve got to be grateful for what you have.
“I’m thankful to Danny (O’Connor) for supporting me.
“Unfortunately, it is part of the game, but I’m back now, going to try and stay fit and play as many games as possible.
“Mentally, everything, just happy to get back to a good position now.”
