Tyrone Mears can't wait for the Scotland tour to commence as he bids to put 12 months of frustration behind him
Tyrone Mears says he can't wait for the Scotland tour to commence as he bids to put 12 months of frustration behind him.
Owen Coyle's charges return to match action for the first time since May when they tackle Ayr United on Wednesday evening.
Mears featured only once for Bolton during the 2011/12 campaign after struggling to recover from a broken leg sustained during the last pre-season.
The former Burnley man made his long-awaited debut at Norwich in February, but it proved to be his only appearance after a follow-up operation on his original injury was required.
Mears said: "It was difficult for me, missing the full season really. To break my leg firstly was disappointing and then for the team to get relegated was equally as bad.
"To break your leg in training, it doesn't happen too often. You think to yourself 'why has this happened?' but it was one of those things.
"It was hard to deal with knowing that I would be out for a long time and then you have to build up your fitness which is hard, especially to get back to the level that you normally play at.
"Before the Norwich game, I spoke to the specialist and the doctor and we decided to give it a go, but it wasn't to be.
"I didn't want to not be able to play at my full potential and I needed to get it sorted. It was a low point but it's all about how you react. You have to come back stronger.
"Touch wood, everything is really good now. Throughout the summer I've been strengthening my leg and making sure that it is ready for the season.
"I try to push myself as hard as I can in pre-season because I like to be in good shape, but right now I can't wait for everything to start.
"For me, it's just about playing games now."
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