CHRIS Forino wants to be known for the games he played, rather than those he missed.
The Wanderers defender has had a frustrating campaign to date, starting just seven times since his move from Wycombe last summer.
A hamstring injury curtailed his early months with the club and a torn thigh muscle picked up soon after the Carabao Cup game at Arsenal in October also kept him out of action for a number of months.
The centre-half admits he feels “indebted” to the club after missing so much football but believes he still has time to prove his worth to those who are yet to be convinced.
“It happened the same way in my first season with Wycombe,” he told The Bolton News. “It was a very similar season.
“I'd done my knee and then only played the second half of the season. That took us into the play-offs, but they told me at the time ‘they only ever remember the first half of the season.’ So definitely, I want to make this count.
“The best is still yet to come from me. I've played a couple of games since that injury. I've got more to offer them than what has been shown already.
“I feel like I'm a bit indebted as well. I've come in and I've missed five months off the bat. That's not what I want.
“I wanted to come here in the summer and be a big part in taking this club up. We have nine huge games now to achieve that and hopefully I can play a key role.”
Forino was one of a few players who came to the club last summer who were unable to feature early in the season – which prompted a few accusatory questions of the recruitment plan.
The St Lucia international believes he is now in the best condition of his career, however, and having shed some weight which could have contributed to some of his fitness issues, he feels in a good place to progress.
“Some of the injuries have been avoidable, some of them haven’t,” he said. “It is a hazard of the business we are in. And it is how you bounce back from that which is important.
“Every setback is an opportunity to grow and learn about your body, and mentally as well.”
The centre-half spots have rarely been easy to predict this season with no player holding down a starting place or guaranteeing their own fitness throughout.
“It’s the benefit of having a deep squad,” Forino said. “I think the whole back line has had their fair share of injuries. But we've not been left light there because of the squad depth. And like I said, the competition, it's good because it's healthy competition and that brings out the best in people.
“So, if everyone's levels are being pushed to their absolute best, it's only going to help us out there.”
Share