Barker Wants To Forget Injury Nightmare

Shaun Barker wants to put his injury nightmare behind him after returning to the starting lineup against West Ham United at the weekend. Despite a poor result Barker was pleased with his return to action after making his first start of the season alongside fellow long-term injury victim Paul Green with James Bailey also returning after missing eleven matches. Barker played with a knee injury throughout the majority of last season before going under the knife once The Rams secured safety.

Barker`s recuperation took slightly longer than expected but after playing for the reserves and coming on as a substitute against Hull City in the last game he was called into the starting lineup for the televised trip to Upton Park. Talking to dcfc.co.uk about his time out Barker said:

'I'd never had a major injury before, I think the longest I had been out was five weeks with a torn thigh muscle. To be told I'd be out six or seven months was a big shock and it has been the most disappointing seven months of my career.'

'I have been lucky in my career when it comes to injuries but you are always going to have a major injury at some point. I am just hoping this has been my major one and, hopefully, I will be better, stronger and injury-free for a good few years.'

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