Popular defender ends 15 month wait for start.
Centre back Jamie McCombe revealed it was a total surprise to be included in the starting XI which defeated York City 1-0 in the Capital One Cup first round at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday night.
The giant defender had not started a game since the final day of the 12/13 season and said it was fantastic to be back in among the action.
“It was a surprise, I’ve not done much training and nothing in terms of eleven aside and I haven’t started a game for fifteen months but the gaffer said, “I’m putting you in, you’ve played 400 times, you know what you’re doing, it's going to be tough and you may hate me tomorrow when you get out of bed but we’re throwing you in at the deep end,”” said McCombe.
“I was a bit rusty in parts, and I arrived about three days late for my booking but I get a lot more out of that than running or training, you can’t replicate the game situation.
“Overall I was pleased with how I played. If I was playing a lot I'd expect higher standards from myself but I’ve not played for a long time, I’ve come back in, kept a clean sheet and gone unscathed so it’s been a success.”
McCombe, who arrived at the Keepmoat in the summer of 2012, went toe to toe with his younger brother John in the tie and says he is “desperate” for more first team games.
“It’s been difficult, it’s been more frustrating than dark because I’ve come back in spells and probably been too eager but I’ve had the all clear,” he said.
“The back’s fine and I’m just desperate to get out playing and the manger has said we’ve got games coming thick and fast and he wants me up to speed as soon as possible.”