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McAuley aims to come back stronger

Cambridge United midfielder Rory McAuley is hoping to be back playing as soon as possible after undergoing knee surgery on a torn cartilage.

The 20-year-old is expected to be ruled out for between four to six weeks but is in high spirits and believes he can force his way back into the side as soon as he returns.

"I was training in the first week of pre-season and felt my knee a little bit during the ball work we were doing," McAuley told Cambridge News.

"I thought it was a just a niggle and carried on, but I kept feeling it and let Greg (Reid, physio) have a look at it.

"It was a tear in the cartilage and needed sorting out as quickly as possible. They've said I'll be out for four to six weeks, but I always try to get back as quickly as I can. I want to get fit and playing again.

"I managed to establish myself last year. There's more competition now with the new signings, but I'm confident I can challenge for a shirt again.

"There's never a good time to be out with an injury. But, in a way, it's better to be out now rather than feeling it at the start of the season and missing 10 or 15 games."

McAuley's versatility works in his favour as although he played admirably in midfield alongside skipper Paul Carden last season, he can also fill defensive positions when required.

He added: "I started off as a central midfielder under Jez (George) for CRC," said McAuley.

"The gaffer prefers me in my preferred position, so it's worked out nicely for me.

"But it's good being able to play centre-half as well and have another string to my bow.

"We've got a good mixture of young players and experienced ones. When you've got that balance, it can only be good for the club."