Under-21s midfielder Andy Robinson explains that he's raring to go again after recent injury set-backs.
Saints Under 21s midfielder Andy Robinson has thanked the Club's medical staff for helping him get over the injuries which limited his involvement in recent seasons.
The former Under 18s captain has played a big part in the pre-season wins over Sholing and Winchester City in recent weeks having worked hard over the summer to put his fitness troubles behind him.
And Robinson says ensuring he makes as many appearances as possible over the next 12 months is his priority going into the new season.
"I was injured a lot over the past couple of seasons, so just to be playing again and feeling fit with no pain is the main thing really," the 19-year-old told Saints Player.
"I want to play as many games as I can. All the physios have been great with me - Tom Sturdy and Matt Radcliffe especially - so I'd like to thank them a lot.
"I did so much work and I've learned so much about my body because I couldn't be at a better place. I think that if I was at another club then I'd have had to have an operation, but thankfully our physios were amazing and spent a lot of time with me.
"I had a lovely holiday, which I really enjoyed," Andy continued, "but I kept on top of the football side of things and I'm feeling really good now.
"Even when I was away I was still staying on top of things because you're always thinking about football - you never switch off."
As well as impressing against Sholing and playing the full 90 minutes of last week's win at Winchester, Robinson was also called into the First Team squad for the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup earlier this month.
"That was good," says the Bournemouth-born midfielder.
"I did it last year as well, and it's good to see the types of players Arsenal and Anderlecht have - you watch the players in your position and you can learn things from them."
And, with former Academy members James Ward-Prowse, Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw and Jack Stephens now established in Nigel Adkins' squad, Robinson can see a pathway to the First Team party.
However, staying fit remains the main aim this year: "You want to get there (to First-Team level), but it seems a long way away for me," Andy admits.
"I look at them, and they are where I want to be. I hope that, as I keep playing, I can get there one day.
"The main thing is be playing and trying to get games, and I'll see where that takes me. I'm just happy to be playing again."
A Saints XI travel to face League 2 side Exeter City tomorrow evening, with Robinson hoping to be selected in the squad that makes the trip down to Devon.
"Everyone is working hard and enjoying it ahead of the game tomorrow," he said after a morning of training in the Staplewood sunshine.
"I've played two games already, and [the Exeter match] should be a good game.
"It's good to get used to the atmosphere of a ground like that because I haven't tasted that because I haven't been out on loan yet.
"It'll be a good test for us, and hopefully I'll play as many minutes as I can again."
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