There was no mistaking the look of delight on one particular player's face after Tuesday's 5-0 thumping of Portsmouth at Colney. We refer of course to Academy striker Asmat El Ouargui, who after suffering a career threatening injury just three months ago made a successful return to action in the Academy's opening pre season friendly. Asmat was one of three Academy players involved in a car accident just yards away from the Colney Training Centre back in April. Adam Gusterson and Andrew Fisk suffered just bumps and bruises, unfortunately for Asmat the news was not so good when it was discovered he has broken a bone in his neck. After undergoing surgery early indications suggested that he could be sidelined for up to twelve months, however Ricky Martin confirmed shortly before Asmat returned to Denmark for his summer break that the injury was not as serious as first thought and that Asmat may return to training in late summer.

Asmat El Ouargui in action against Portsmouth

Asmat's early return and appearance for sixty minutes on Tuesday had everyone on a high and Ricky kindly agreed for FONCY to have a few words with Asmat to see how things went over the summer and how he felt about his return to action. "I have had no ill effects from the game on Tuesday and I am now looking forward to the game at Gorleston on Saturday", Asmat told John Landamore. "I thought that I might be back in training about August or September, so I am very happy that I have been able to play in July. Academy physio Rod Dyer set me a programme that I was to follow while I was in Denmark, and my coach at my old club Hvidovre did some non-contact work with me. Now I am looking forward to going back to Denmark with the rest of the team next month for a pre-season training camp, and when I return I am looking to play well for the Academy and play for the Reserves again." Everyone at FONCY would like to wish not only Asmat but also all the Academy lads the very best for the coming season.