Linfield star opens up on 'finding it tough I'll not kick a ball again this season'

Shields’ campaign was cruelly cut short after picking up a serious knee injury while playing for the Blues against Glenavon in September.

The 34-year-old has since undergone successful surgery and began his road to recovery, but he’s still adjusting to a role as helpless spectator after more than a decade of running the engine room for Dundalk and Linfield.

Shields won five League of Ireland Premier Division titles during his time at Oriel Park and also captained the club on the European stage against the likes of Arsenal, but this is his first experience of a lengthy period on the sidelines.

As a self-confessed “terribly nervous watcher”, every Friday evening or Saturday afternoon has been like a fresh episode of torture for Shields, but he’s determined to hit the ground running come pre-season.

"Unfortunately, there's been a fair few people in the league who have had this injury,” he said. “It's just a long time, you can't really rush it because it depends on the surgery and how your body reacts.

"It’s just unfortunate for me that I'll not kick a ball again this season. All eyes are on pre-season for me, hopefully. Now it's about just getting in and around the team and trying to be as supportive as I can at the minute.

"This is my first long-term injury. It is tough, I won't lie, I'm finding it tough. I'm usually involved in everything and play a lot of minutes, so it's just adjusting to that for the time being.

"I’m a terribly nervous watcher. If I'm at the match, I'm alright, I can see what's going on, but my wife watches me...I was watching the match on Friday on telly and I'm up on my feet and I'm pacing around.

"I don't know what to be doing with myself. I’m bringing my son up more (to the matches) so he'll keep me occupied during the games and he'll get a feel for it himself.”

Shields was joined at the draw, where Linfield were pitted against fellow top-flight outfit Bangor, by Kieran Offord – another Blues star facing a lengthy period out with the striker currently on crutches.

The rehabilitation process can often be lonely with countless hours spent in gyms – the mind inevitably drifting towards dreams of being on the pitch alongside your team-mates.

Linfield’s injured stars are acting as a source of motivation for each other on their own respective journeys and Shields also praised the impact of the club’s medical staff.

"Yeah, it can be (lonely),” he added. “It's just the nature of the beast, I suppose.

"You are in the gym a lot on your own. The lads are getting on the pitch and you're jealous watching them walk out the door every morning.

"There's one or two lads that have nicks and bumps. Somebody will always be knocking about the gym. The medical staff are brilliant here.

"They're very supportive and they do whatever they can for you. But it's just not the same as being on the pitch.

"I'd rather Kieran was on the pitch, not only for his ability, but he's a hard listen!

"It’s a great group and you're never too lonely...it's just not the same as being on the pitch.”