Crocked O'Brien To Play On

Newtown midfielder Colm O'Brien is determined to play on despite a painful ankle problem.

The 24-year-old has suffered from the complaint for some time now, but wants to avoid having an operation until the end of the season.

Newtown are precariously placed just above the relegation zone, and O' Brien has vowed to do his utmost to help the team's survival bid.

"I'm struggling at the moment because I've got a ankle problem. It is getting worse after every game but I'll just keep on playing until I can hardly run any more," he explained.

"I've had it a while now and it's just getting more and more sore. But if I can keep my base fitness up and keep doing my weights I should be able to hold off having an operation until the end of the season.

"I'm just crossing my fingers that I can do that. It doesn't affect me during games really, it's mainly afterwards when it stiffens up.

"It feels fine at the moment and I'll just go on the physio's advice, but there is no doubt it will require an operation eventually."

Newtwon are currently in the middle of a 10-day break ahead of their next Premiership clash because of Premier Cup this weekend, and O' Brien believes they will benefit from the hard work they are putting in on the training ground.

"We're having a mini pre-season at the moment like we did before the Cloughjordan win last season, which was a big turning point for us," he recalled.

"That will help us and give us a bit more fitness heading into the back end of the season."