Derby County: Green light for Rams ace Paul

PAUL Green says he is fit and raring to go after recovering from an injury-hit first season with Derby County.

Green has undergone three operations since joining the Rams from Doncaster Rovers last summer – on his hand, foot and shoulder.

The influential midfielder broke two fingers during the Carling Cup tie at Stoke City back in December.

He then suffered a fractured metatarsal bone in his foot in March, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

During this lay-off, Green had further surgery on a troublesome shoulder in a bid to get himself injury-free for the 2009-10 season – and he is on track to achieve that goal.

Green, Miles Addision, Dean Leacock, Jay McEveley, Steve Davies and Chris Porter all finished last term on the sidelines due to injury – but all remain on course to be fit for the start of pre-season when the Rams return to training on Wednesday.

"Everything is going well," said Green. "My foot has recovered well and so has my shoulder.

"I have still got to do a bit more rehab on my shoulder but I will be ready for pre-season.

"I was in more or less all of May to make sure my foot was OK and to get the movement back into my shoulder. Then I had June off to relax a bit.

"I have had trouble with my shoulder for about five years and kept shying away from getting it sorted out.

"But when I did my metatarsal, I thought it was the perfect time to have the operation on my shoulder because I knew I was out for the season anyway.

"It was keyhole surgery to repair the damage that had been done and anchor the ligaments that had come away back on the bone.

"My foot feels fine.

"I have done some running and kicked a ball with the physio in May and I was happy with how that went. It feels fine."

Green is hoping for better luck on the injury front from now on.

"I had never had an operation when I came to Derby and now I have had three – on my hand, my foot and my shoulder," he said.

"They say things come in threes, so hopefully that's my lot now!"

Despite his injuries, Green made 40 appearances for Derby last season, scoring six goals, becoming a key member of the side.

He revealed his frustration at having to watch the end of the campaign from the stands, especially with the Rams battling to steer themselves clear of relegation.

"It was horrible," he said.

"We weren't in the best of positions at the time and needed some wins.

"When you can't do anything to help the team, it is very frustrating but the boys put 100% in and got us out of trouble in the end.

"As a player, there is nothing worse than not being involved, especially when you know you are out for the rest of the season."

Green, along with his team-mates, will be hoping for a better season in 2009-10 with manager Nigel Clough at the helm.

"I thought we didn't really achieve what we should have last season, so I am looking forward to a good season this time and hope we can keep everyone fit," he said.

"The manager got us playing some good football but we were unlucky with injuries."