Just months after fearing he would lose an eye following an horrific accident in a gym, Ryan Hedges is enjoying being one of Barnsley's star players with three goals already this season.
The 22-year-old winger fractured his cheekbone, eye socket, nose and sinus earlier this summer after some weight-lifting equipment broke while he was using it, causing his face to smash into the metal machine and a bar to fall on his head. He initially thought his football career was over and admits that having to face the possibility of going partially blind put sport in perspective and has allowed him to play with more freedom.
Hedges, who may be permanently scarred, told the Chronicle: "It definitely could have blinded me. I have a scar just above my eyebrow so any lower and I could have lost my eye. In the first week I wasn't thinking about football, I was just thinking 'will I have my eyesight?'
"It puts things into perspective and I have come back with freedom and confidence to go out and enjoy and express myself. The club have put me in contact with a sport psychologist and I have really felt the benefit of that.
"When something like that happens you thank your lucky stars and I am just happy to be alive and happy to be fully fit and doing the job I love."
Hedges, who signed from Swansea in January, netted on the opening day of this season at Bristol City then added long-range winners against Morecambe and Nottingham Forest on the last two Tuesdays. He said: "On a personal level I have been really happy with how I have performed. Playing regularly is really helping me and hopefully I can make that starting spot my own. Throughout my career I have wanted to chip in with goals. During the summer I worked on finishing and I hope I am reaping the rewards. I have a lot more confidence now. There are still a lot of things for me to work on and hopefully I will get better and better."
Hedges is hoping his fine form earns a first Wales call. He said: "Hopefully I am close to a call-up. There are internationals coming up in a few weeks. I would love to be involved in those but, if not, there will be more coming up. If I keep playing well and scoring goals I should be picked sooner or later."
