Hibs winger Danny Carmichael admits he is desperate to play his part in an exciting finish to the season after conceding that his four-month injury lay-off was depressing.
The 25-year-old, one of seven changes made by head coach Alan Stubbs, marked his return to the starting line-up for the first time since August with a goal and an all-round lively performance in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Alloa.
Carmichael made his comeback from a groin operation as a substitute in last Tuesday’s Scottish Cup replay win over city rivals Hearts.
And with a League Cup final against Ross County, a Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Inverness and a push for the Championship title to look forward to, Carmichael is keen to make up for lost time.
Carmichael, who is hoping to keep his place for tomorrow’s rearranged visit of Morton, said: “I’ve not had a lot of game time this season so to get on the pitch was good. I got a wee goal as well, so that was good.
“It was a groin, abdominal problem. We had done everything apart from going down the operation route but in the end we had to get that done. It’s gone now and I have to look forward.
“When you come to a new team you want to hit the ground running but I couldn’t do that so it’s been frustrating.
“You want to be out there with the players.”
Speaking to Hibs TV, he added: “It’s a bit depressing when you’re injured and you see everyone playing week-in, week-out.
“You just want to be part of it and sometimes you don’t feel part of it because you’re not playing.
“But you just have to keep it going, I got through the injury and hopefully I can get some games and get myself in the team.
“You can’t look too far ahead but the cup final is in the heads. The league is the main priority, we’re in all three competitions so we have to keep it going.”
Hibs head coach Stubbs, who recruited Carmichael from Queen of the South last summer, added: “He’s had a problem with his groin and it had been lingering for a while.
“In the end we decided to get it operated on and he’s come back.
“I had no doubt about the changes I made because I know the squad I’ve got – the strength they’ve got.”
