Winger eager to be included for this weekend's big game at Meadow Lane...
“I’ll play in my astros” were the words uttered by Jamal Campbell-Ryce, when asked whether he thought Tuesday night’s postponed encounter with Rotherham United should go ahead.
Following his return from a three-game ban, the exciting winger had been so desperate to play in the FA Cup with Budweiser second round replay that he was willing to cope with the hardened turf by playing in his trainers.
Still, it does not look like he will have to wait much longer, as the Magpies prepare to take on promotion rivals Brentford this Saturday at Meadow Lane.
Campbell-Ryce told Magpie Player: “I’m very desperate to play and I hope I’m selected for the game.
“Sitting on the sidelines has been frustrating but in the league we’ve got a win and a draw, so it hasn’t been too bad and hopefully I can help the team get a result this weekend.
“It’s not easy to come back in after missing games, because although my base fitness will always be good, match fitness is always going to be tougher.
“Obviously we’re coming up against a Brentford side who are equally doing as well – in fact, better than us, because they’re higher in the league.
“We want to end that and I expect the tempo to be frantic, so it’s just down to me to get my second wind and get into the speed of the game as quickly as possible.”
Campbell-Ryce missed the games against Swindon Town, Rotherham and Yeovil Town, due to a straight red card picked up in the Deepdale meeting with Preston North End.
The dismissal was a result of a late challenge on Preston full-back Scott Laird, who suffered a broken leg.
“It was unfortunate circumstances with a mistimed tackle, but me and him have spoken and I’ve sent my condolences and my apologies,” said the forward.
“He’s accepted that and understood that it was football, but I was really annoyed and frustrated with myself.
“I felt terrible and felt sick about it.
“I don’t want to miss games and I don’t want to hurt nobody, I’m not that kind of player.”
You can watch the full interview with Campbell-Ryce, who speaks at length about the red card and the weekend’s game, by signing in to Magpie Player.
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