Grant Hanley: 'You miss struggling to swallow your porridge'

Norwich City club captain Grant Hanley made his return to the side in the 1-0 defeat at West Brom.

The Scotland international has been out of action since April 2023 with a serious Achilles injury which was sustained against his former club Blackburn Rovers.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk following the defeat at West Brom, Hanley said it's been a long road back to full fitness:

"It does feel like a long road. I'm grateful to feel like I am coming to the end of that road and getting involved in the first team, getting some minutes under my belt.

He continued, "Obviously, it's a massive boost for me and I have to mention how grateful I am to be at a club where I am so well supported. There's so many people behind the scenes who have worked so hard for me.

"They have been with me every step of the way" he said.

Hanley said he also had to be mentally prepared to return after that long lay-off:

"I think people probably underestimate the mental pressure that players go through. The pressure is constant whether you are playing or trying to get fit.

"When you're out for a long time I think it's important to get the balance right between being obsessed by your injury and taking a chance to step back and spend some time with family - which I have had the chance to do." Hanley said.

"It's certainly an eye-opener for me on how to manage your mind. Sometimes the pressure of playing is phenomenal but that's the biggest thing you miss.

"You miss that Saturday morning struggling to swallow your porridge because you're that nervous for a big game."

You can listen to the full interview here.