LONDON, CMC – Attacking midfielder Tyrese Sinclair, whose father Frank was a member of Jamaica’s historic squad at the 1998 World Cup in France, said he was looking forward to picking up where he left off following a six-week injury spell on the sidelines.
The 22-year-old has been one of Rochdale’s leading scorers this season with eight goals but sustained an ankle injury against Oldham last October and only returned to action in the recent 1-0 defeat to Bromley.
“I’m happy to be back. I’ve missed it. It felt like a long six weeks,” Sinclair said.
“I’ve not been injured seriously like that before. It took a couple of days [to come to terms with it], but I just got entirely focused on getting back as quickly as possible.
“Thankfully, I came back a week ahead of schedule.”
Sinclair, born in England but also eligible to represent the Reggae Boyz, was in stellar form before his injury, netting braces against Bromley and York in August before hitting another brace against Barnet the following month.
Sinclair said he was anxious to re-discover his scoring form, which has helped Rochdale to eighth in the National League on 33 points.
“There was a lot of gym work, on bikes and rowers, things like that,” he explained.
“When you’re in a big boot, it’s hard mentally—being away from the boys. But I think it makes you mentally stronger for when you are back.
“I want to get back scoring goals, playing well. I’ve got high standards, so I expect that of myself.
“I was going well. That happened and put a stint in my momentum for the season, but I’ve got to get back now and get going again.”
Sinclair’s return will be welcomed, especially after the club’s leading scorer, Grenada international Kairo Mitchell, had an ankle injury earlier this month, which could be ruled out until the New Year.
The 26-year-old has already scored ten goals this season but last featured in the club’s 3-1 win over Altrincham on November 21 when he also found the target.
“His situation is worse than we thought after having the scan. It’s a testament to his bravery because he was trying to push himself for the last game,” said manager Jimmy McNulty.
“He’s got some serious ankle ligament damage, and we’re probably going to lose him for eight weeks. It’s a loss because he was in great form.”
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