Aberdeen Grammar captain Greig Ryan is ready to take two months of frustration out on Stirling tomorrow.
Flanker Ryan has missed the last eight weeks due to a shoulder injury and, with his side travelling to Stirling County for a crucial Premiership One match tomorrow, he is eager to play his part in a must-win game.
He said: “It’s been so frustrating. The injury was to the same shoulder I had operated on a while back and there was a bit of concern the screws had come loose.
“I had X-rays and scans done and, fortunately, it was just ligament damage, which was bad enough, but I didn’t need more surgery.
“I have been champing at the bit to get back.
“It has been really tough watching the guys work so hard and get so little reward.
“They haven’t got the points some of their play has deserved and I have been itching to get out there and play my part.
“I was raring to go last weekend at Howe of Fife but the game was called off and I can’t wait to get out and face Stirling on Saturday.”
Four points separate eighth-placed Grammar and ninth-placed Stirling and the importance of winning this one is not lost on anyone at Rubislaw.
Ryan said: “It’s a massive game for us. The rewards are clear.
“If we can get four or five points it would be a huge step towards safety. If we don’t we could be sucked into a battle at the bottom, so it’s really do or die for us.
“We’re all up for the challenge. The results have not been what we have wanted this season but we have been in every game so far.
“No one has put 30 or 40 points on us but key moments have gone against us at vital times.
“The heads haven’t gone down, though, and we are confident we can get the victory on Saturday.
“Stirling are in a difficult position but they are a decent side. They have a strong pack and it will depend on if they can get a few development players.
“If they have three or four professional guys it makes it a whole new ball game because those lads are playing for new contracts.”