East thrilled to be back playing so soon after neck injury
A few weeks ago Danny East thought he might not play again.
The utility man was stretchered from the pitch and taken to hospital after injuring his neck against Wycombe.
But fast forward to the end of December and the summer signing from Hull is back in the side.
East missed just two matches before returning for the Boxing Day triumph over Dagenham & Redbridge.
He said: “The doctors told me the neck was fractured on the night and everything went through my head.
“I was wondering if it was the end of my career. Then they scanned me again and it was back in place.
“I was so happy because I thought I would have to go straight in for an operation, but instead I’m back playing again.
“When I was 18 I got told that I’d never play football again. I was out for a year and had two screws in my left foot.
“To start thinking that again was awful, so I’m glad to be back in the team so soon.”
East will hope to keep his place in the side when bottom-of-the-table Northampton visit Fratton Park on Sunday.
The 21-year-old spent time on loan with the Cobblers last term and is shocked to see them struggling after reaching the play-off final back in May.
East said: “I played almost 20 games for them last season, so it’s a big match for me and I can’t wait.
“I’m surprised Northampton are where they are because they’ve got a good squad and I’m sure they’ll turn things around.
“At the start of the season everything would have put them in the promotion battle, but they’re not and we have to take advantage.
“There are some good, experienced players there, so we have to be careful and do what we did against Dagenham on Boxing Day.”
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