I've bounced back after trampoline trauma

Smith feared for career on family day out but has spring back in his step now for Hampden

- LINDSAY HERRON

MICHAEL SMITH is dreaming of Scottish Cup glory with Hearts after fearing a horrible back problem was going to end his career.

The Northern Ireland full-back was in such agony his legs collapsed beneath him when he took his son to a trampoline park.

Smith, 33, dreaded he would never kick a ball again but has now played himself into contention for the Hampden clash with Rangers on May 21.

Smith, who had been out since January, said: “I had doubts.

“I thought maybe I might not even play again.

“It was a frustrating injury. I trained on a Friday and went to take my son to a trampoline park. I tried to stand up afterward but my legs were just in agony.

"I wasn't on it! It was when I stood up afterward and could hardly walk. My son was like, 'What's up with you?' and I said, 'I'm near dead here!'.

"I've had back problems for about 10 years. Eventually it caught up with me and it gave way. I got a scan and one of the discs had exploded into the nerve canal. It was just a mess in there?