Hills keeps fingers crossed - exclusive

Last updated : 16 November 2006 By Andy Parsons

The former Gillilngham defender has been impressive since moving north from Priestfield last summer but has missed about half of that time out through injury.

He was not even fit at the start of the season and Tommy Spurr took his place but now he will have a fight on his hands to keep his place after Peter Gilbert made his first appearance in the reserves following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Hills told Footymad: "It's a big relief to be back. I have struggled with my Achilles and missed the pre-season so I have had to work really hard. When I did come back at the start of the season I was unfit and then I got a kick against Leeds and I couldn't really do much about that, I had a clash with their keeper and tore my calf which put me out for four or five weeks so I have been unlucky but now it is good to be back. I just want to play more now for Wednesday and help them up the league."

Funnily enough, like many other players who pull on the blue and white, he was relatively injury free before coming to Hillsborough but now hopes that he can continue his fine form.

He added: "I didn't have too many injury problems before I came here. I think I may have missed six weeks in two seasons. I had a problem with a hamstring when I was at Blackpool but I haven't been out for that long, touch wood so hopefully I get a clean season from here on in.

"I did struggle with my hamstring towards the back end of last season, then the calf problem I have just returned from but I was out for a long time about a year ago from the car crash. Hopefully all that is behind me now and I can remain injury-free."