Bridges, Matteo Back In Squad

Last updated : 06 August 2003 By Kevin Markey
 

The striker, who is 25 next week, has been desperate to play pre-season but Peter Reid has been cautious on his comeback by insisting he waited a bit longer before returning after eight months out of action on the back of two years of serious injuries.

Bridges has been receiving calls of encouragement from friends and team-mates after being told he would play some part at the KC Stadium tonight.

Bridges said: "I am feeling good and ready to go. The manager has not said how long he wants me to play at Hull; we will probably see how the game is going, but I think I might get some of the second half.
"It will be tremendous to be back and to have another go. I returned to training four weeks early after my honeymoon to get a head start and it has paid off, so I am delighted.
"I am trying to forget about everything that has happened and I am just looking to the future.

"I think we will do well this season despite what some people have said.
"Obviously losing a player like Harry Kewell doesn't do anyone any good but we have to accept it and carry on.
"There have been a lot of departures and we have a smaller squad but everyone is eager to play and we still have a lot of internationals.
"As for me, I will see how it goes against Hull. I am not going to push myself. I am just pleased that things are going well at the moment."

He also said he was desperate to reward the fans for their faith and support over what has been two very difficult years.

The Geordie striker had only just begun to resume playing after a two year spell out with horrendous ankle and knee injuries when disaster struck in what was only his second start of the season against Malaga at Elland Road last December.

The game had barely started when Bridges went down after having ruptured his Achilles on the opposite leg to the one that he had the trouble with.

Also making a return to action tonight against The Tigers is skipper Dominic Matteo, whose pre-season was disrupted after he turned an ankle in training. He has been left out of the previous three friendly games as a precaution.

On the downside however, Seth Johnson has suffered a recurrence of a knee injury, whilst Eirik Bakke is also on the treatment table (knee), along with Zoumana Camara (dead leg). Jody Morris will not travel after picking up a knock in Sunday's battle at Burnley. Nigel Martyn could play his last game in a Leeds United shirt as Paul Robinson's girlfriend is expecting their first child at anytime and he will not participate tonight.

Around 15,000 tickets have been sold with payment being accepted on the night.

Squad: Martyn, Kelly, Duberry, Kilgallon, Harte, Barmby, Matteo, Batty, Wilcox, Viduka, Smith, Bridges, Mills, Carson, Simon Johnson, McPhail, Milner, Richardson.