ALEX Gorrin is close to a return to full fitness as the midfielder seeks to earn a fresh contract with Oxford United.
The Spaniard – who turns 30 today – suffered a knee injury during training in December and has not played for the club since.
He also missed a large chunk of the 2021/22 campaign after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his other knee during an Emirates FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers in November 2021.
Although the former Motherwell man’s contract with United expired this summer, he was invited to remain with the club in order to continue his rehab and work his way back to full fitness.
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U’s head coach Liam Manning had a positive update to share on Gorrin, who has made an impression since returning to training.
“He’s been cleared and we’ve integrated him into training,” said Manning.
“There are certain stages with surgeons and processes to go through, and he’s been all-cleared.
“It’s now about getting him close and he’s pretty much there anyway, he’s done a full session with full contact.
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“It’s now in terms of that psychological aspect, and the random nature of football and contact, and things like block tackles – those unpredictable movements.
“He’s having a period now in training where it’s slightly more controlled and he gets high repetition from that.
“What a terrific character, I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person and what he brings.
“He’s really impressed in terms of the level he’s come back at.”
Asked whether there is a future at the club for Gorrin, Manning said: “I’ve had an honest, real chat with Alex about it, in terms of his contract being up in the summer and the changes with new staff.
“First and foremost, with someone who’s done what he’s done at the club and how he is as a person, we have a duty of care to look after him and get him fit.
“Ultimately for me, it’s a case of let’s judge him when he’s fit and then we’ll have a conversation along the way.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a pro, and as a person he’s been outstanding.”
Gorrin signed for United in June 2019, moving on a free transfer from Motherwell.
He penned a two-year contract, with a 12-month option which the U’s triggered in 2021. Last summer, he agreed a new one-year deal with the club.
Gorrin has made 114 appearances for United, 87 of those in Sky Bet League One.
Last season, he played only 13 times – eight in the third tier – with his most recent game coming as a substitute in the FA Cup first round win at Woking in November.
About the author
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Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.