Being back on the pitch is a blessing

Uche delighted to return to action after five operations and year on the sidelines

- FRASER MACKIE

Uche Ikpeazu hit the depths of despair when fearing there might be no end to the injury hell that delayed his St Johnstone debut by 10 months.

The striker opened up about his nightmare season after finally seeing action for Saints at Hampden on Sunday.

Ikpeazu's Perth career was already in peril when the squad headed to the Highlands for two friendlies at the end of June last year.

However, the cartilage damage was initially only suspected to keep him sidelined until October.

Complications arose that contributed to another four operations before he fully recovered.

Ikpeazu admitted: “To be back on the pitch after such a horrible time is a blessing.

“It was probably the worst of my life, my career. Not knowing when I was going to come back, or if I was going to come back.

“For me, it was my faith that kept me going. It's incredibly frustrating because I love football and I've missed it so much.

“I think it's made me more determined and hungrier than ever.