'I've got plenty in the tank' - Naylor
IPSWICH Town welcomed back Richard Naylor after almost a year on the sidelines with an injured toe and slipped disc in his neck
Elvin King
IPSWICH Town welcomed back Richard Naylor after almost a year on the sidelines with an injured toe and slipped disc in his neck
And the long-serving 30-year-old today confirmed he had lost none of his enthusiasm while being away.
After taking his place as a 66th minute substitute in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool on Saturday, Naylor said: “I still believe I've got something to offer and a few years left in me.
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“I'm still fit, quick and strong and when you've got those attributes you've got to have a chance.
“I feel I'm good enough to play but it's down to me to prove it and that means taking advantage of opportunities like this when they come along.
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“I've got to make an impression because the gaffer's looking to bring new players in.
“That will provide even stiffer competition for places but that's healthy for the club and I welcome it.
“I've been around long enough to know that that's football - players come and players go.
“But if you work hard you will always have a chance at this football club. You won't go far wrong.
“Bringing in new players will be good for the club, but it can prove a problem for individual players.”
Reflecting on Saturday's game Naylor said: “To be honest, it felt like we won the game because when you're one-down and reduced to ten men you don't expect to get anything.
“People have questioned our spirit and ability to dig in when we're away from home but we proved them wrong.
“In the last 20 minutes we could have nicked it.
“Getting back in the team has been a long time coming and my toe is fine now - having benefited from the extra rest caused by my neck injury.
“A slipped disc can take 12 months to clear up. I have taken four, so here is still a little bit of discomfort.
Naylor is due to play in this afternoon's reserve game against MK Dons at Playford Road, Ipswich.
And then push to regain his regular first team place back again.
