It’s been a tough two months for young full-back Jayden Bogle.
The 19-year-old was sidelined for eight weeks with an ankle injury which he picked up in the first home game of the season, back in August, against Swansea City.
Since then, Bogle has had to go through a rehabilitation programme to get back fit as he returned to the squad for Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Birmingham City at Pride Park Stadium.
Manager Phillip Cocu handed him his first start since his injury in the 2-2 draw against Barnsley on Wednesday night and he was pleased to be back in a Rams shirt.
“I was just delighted to get 90 minutes back under my belt and get playing again,” he told RamsTV.
“It was a bit frustrating about the result to concede late on, but on a personal note I was just glad to get the 90 minutes and play pain-free.
“It can be tough, especially fitness-wise getting back into the flow of the games. I am just happy to be back playing.
“I was lucky last season not to get any injuries, but these things happen. I think I went the right way about it, I was patient and didn’t try to come back quicker than I was meant to be."
It’s the first time the defender has suffered an injury which has ruled him out for a sustained period of time.
He played over 50 games for the Rams last season but on his second game of the current campaign he suffered the injury through an innocuous challenge in the goalless draw with the Swans.
“It was in the Swansea game, as I cut in front of the guy he sort of clipped me and as I went down I went in on my ankle,” Bogle said. “It was painful and I couldn’t carry on.
“Normally if I get any knocks or niggles, I carry on because I hate having to watch games and not be able to play, but this one I couldn’t play through.
“I didn’t think it was as serious as it was, I didn’t think I would be out for that long. It was quite unfortunate, and I was quite disappointed at the time, but after a few days I got my head around it and worked hard to get back fit.
“It is frustrating having to watch the games, but I was supporting the team from the sidelines for the duration of the injury, but it is just a good feeling to get back to playing.”
The defender’s return was going to plan until the final minute as the Rams conceded a late equaliser against the Reds and he was disappointed not to pick up all three points at Oakwell.
“You can understand why getting a point away at Leeds is a massive result and against Barnsley it felt like a loss after conceding so late from a sloppy set piece,” he admitted.
“We know we need to tighten up on set pieces because they have cost us a few times this season. As a team we will work on it and hopefully the next few games we can put it right.”