January 22 2013

Paddy McCarthy

Paddy McCarthy says his time out with a groin problem has been no laughing matter.

The Irish defender's injury that has kept him out all season was complicated when an injection led to his pelvic area getting an infection.

Club captain McCarthy is itching to get back to action and has earmarked a return in February, but admits his time on the sidelines has been tough in many ways.

"The infection caused a hell of a lot of bone bruising in the pelvic area, a hell of a lot of swelling and inflammation – to the point where I couldn't cough, sniff or laugh without being in complete agony," he told the South London Press.

"Even all the pain-killers and anti-inflammatories weren't touching the sides. It was quite worrying and I was low. I was in so much pain you start to think it might be something more sinister than an infection.

"The hope is that I will play some part this season. That is why we went for the operation at the time we did [in December]. If we'd left it any longer then I think this season would have been a complete write-off."