Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway reflects on his long road to recovery

Brendan Galloway is back, and hoping it stays that way, after returning to full fitness following a serious knee injury. The defender made his first League One start for Plymouth Argyle since last November in the 3-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn on Saturday.

Galloway came through it with flying colours, with his performance showing no signs of someone who had been out of action for so long.

He had previously made a couple of substitute appearances in pre-season, a start in the 2-0 Carabao Cup first round defeat by Peterborough United and came off the bench at half-time during the 5-1 loss to Charlton Athletic last Tuesday.

That gradual build-up was planned with considerable attention to detail, and Galloway is grateful to Elliot Turner, Argyle's head of fitness and conditioning, for his input, as well as that of manager Steven Schumacher.

Galloway said: "I would consider myself fully fit. I have had a great pre-season. Elliot has made sure the load has not been too much but not been too little.

"He has kept it right, he has really studied my body and what I need. The Gaffer as well has fed into what Elliot wants to do with me.

"It was never about going from zero to 100. It was always about building up and letting me get that confidence as well.

"I think we have done it really well so now is the start. I just need to remain focused, remain fit and carry on playing hopefully.

"I feel like now I'm 26 I know my body a bit more than I did when I was younger, I know what I need to do off the pitch.

"The Gaffer knows it's a long season, he knows we have lots of games, so we have a great squad for a reason. Whoever comes in, whoever goes out the principles stay the same and we always go out to win. I'm just