Dundee United defender Mihael Kovacevic has disclosed how a comforting conversation with chairman Stephen Thompson helped ease his injury agony.
The Swiss defender, whose contract expires at the end of the year, is currently battling back from cruciate ligament surgery.
However, he has had one less thing to worry about during his recuperation, thanks to Thompson.
“The chairman has spoken to me and told me that when I am back in training then we will talk,” said Kovacevic.
“They want to sign me again and that was great to hear.
“That makes me feel so happy and it has been a real weight off my mind.”
Kovacevic hopes to be back fighting for a first-team place in December just in time for the festive schedule.
He said, “I am starting running now and everything is going well for me.Help from team-mates”It is hard to say for definite when I will be back but I hope to be playing again in two months’ time.
“It would be a great Christmas present for me if I am back around about that time.”
He added, “It has been very frustrating and you have to be very strong. You need to keep working hard.
“My team-mates have helped a lot, keeping my spirits up.
“They have all been asking how I am doing, and if they are interested in you then that is nice. I really appreciate it.”
Kovacevic said, “When you get an injury like this one, then it tells you a lot about yourself.
“You realise what someone with a bad injury has gone through. I can sympathise with those who have gone through it.
“It makes you really strong, too, and motivates you to get back playing football again.”Goodwillie’s call to fansMeanwhile, as United gear up for Sunday’s big match against Celtic at Tannadice, frontman David Goodwillie believes the backing of home fans will be crucial.
He said, “Both Celtic and ourselves are going well just now so it should be a terrific match.
“Neil Lennon is showing he is a good manager and has made a few good signings.
“We will know all about them, though, because the manager will go over it all in a meeting before the weekend.
“So we will go into the match looking to win it.”
He added, “Hopefully, there will be a good crowd and our fans will definitely get right behind us.
“I think things happen more for you as a player when the supporters are right behind you, especially when shooting down towards the Eddie Thompson Stand.
“I am certainly looking forward to the challenge and I am probably in the best form of my life just now, certainly at professional level.
“At youth level I used to score eight goals a game sometimes, but I will settle for a hat-trick on Sunday!”