Motherwell star has a point to prove as he bids to put injuries behind him

Motherwell star Bevis Mugabi is praying his injury worries are behind him, and admits he has a point to prove to himself by putting in a solid season.

The Ugandan international played in only 16 games in a turbulent campaign for the Steelmen as they eventually finished seventh, having been down at the bottom end of the table for spells that ultimately saw Stuart Kettlewell replace Stevie Hammell, who himself came in after Graham Alexander’s departure.

For Mugabi, a knee injury sustained in a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park on November 9 last year effectively derailed his season; although he made his comeback from the bench in a 4-2 defeat at home to Rangers on March 18, he played only three more times.

Mugabi says getting a full pre-season under his belt will stand him in good stead, and hopes to play his part in a bid to earn a top-six finish and maybe bag a European slot for next season.

“It’s a big season,” said the 28-year-old centre-back,” both for himself and the team.

“Last season wasn’t a particularly great season for myself and that’s something I want to put right – mainly proving to myself, first and foremost.

“Last season was very patchy until February, when the new gaffer came in and sorted us right out.

“For myself, I was in and out of the team, I picked up a lengthy injury midway through the season, which didn’t help me.

“It was very frustrating with the injuries, because I know what I can do personally and what I can do for the team and the whole club.

“To not be able to produce the performances that I’ve done in the past has been very frustrating, mentally, and I’ve just had to stay positive for the rest of the team, especially when we were going through the rough patch.

“But when you’re on the sidelines and