Notts County winger Will Hayhurst reflects on "toughest season" of his career

Notts County winger Will Hayhurst has claimed that his experience of recovering from two broken legs as a Preston youth player has helped him mentally overcome the "toughest season" of his career.

The 22-year-old has not played a competitive game for the Magpies this term after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Carlton Town in pre-season.

Hayhurst told local media: "If I hadn't had those injuries I wouldn't have realised what it takes and how you can come back from one like this.

"The first leg break was easy to overcome because it was my first serious injury and I knew I would come back fitter and stronger.

"But the second break was harder, knowing I would have to go through the same routine again having worked so hard to get back.

"Having that experience has helped though, and I've done a lot of psychology work that I think has benefited me as well.

"It can be difficult being away at the gym every day, away from the lads. You do get the lads in and out with little injuries, but when they are fit in a few weeks and you're still going it's tough.

"But to be fair the lads, they have been brilliant with me, the more time you have around them, the easier it is to get through it all."

Hayhurst arrived at Meadow Lane in January 2015, but is out of contract in the summer.

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