Jack is back: Brighton starlet feeling stronger than ever as he marks return from injury with priceless goal
Brighton starlet Jack Hinshelwood marked his comeback from a ten-week injury layoff in the best possible way – by scoring the winner in a tight Premier League match against Brentford – and the 20-year-old missed that feeling ‘loads’.
Albion came from a goal down to win 2-1 at the Amex on Saturday (November 22). It extended the Seagulls’ unbeaten home run to ten games.
The winner was scored on the 84th minute by substitute Hinshelwood – who had been out of action, for more than two months, with an ankle injury.
The academy graduate’s half volley wasn’t the cleanest of strikes but it was enough to beat Caoimhin Kelleher.
"I know [Yankuba] Minteh is an outlet for us and I just tried to spread the play and followed it up and it fell nicely for me on the edge,” Hinshelwood recalled.
"If I strike it clean, it might not go in. So I wouldn't change it.
"You wish you could just bottle up that feeling and feel it over and over again. I've missed it loads.
"I think it's my first goal of the season, so that was nice. I haven't scored since Tottenham away, so it's been a bit of a while.
"But just to be back out there, fighting and scrapping with the boys each day. That's what you miss the most.”
The versatile youngster – who is usually deployed in midfield – has staked his claim for a starting role alongside Yasin Ayari.
Hinshelwood had been sidelined since rupturing ankle ligaments in what he described as an ‘unlucky moment’, just three minutes into the 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on September 13.
Hinshelwood believes the enforced break has ultimately strengthened him.
"The way the injury happened was quite unfortunate,” he said.
"I’ve worked hard to get back fit but I've come back better as well. I think I've come back stronger and physically in a good way.
"Obviously, I need to build up my fitness now over the next few weeks but I've come back at a good time. I'm looking forward to this Christmas period and to helping the boys.
“When you're out, you obviously can't get better on the pitch, but off the pitch I've got better. I think I've got stronger in the gym and felt sharper when I'm coming back. So it's been a positive period as much as it's obviously a tough period as well.
“I spent the last ten weeks grafting and now I really just want to get a run of games or just be available, really.
“I just love being a part of this team and whatever way I can help, that's what I like the most.”
Watching from the sidelines was often the most difficult part for Hinshelwood, especially knowing he could help the team.
“Sometimes it's the hardest, but you want to be there to support the boys,” he said.
“I feel for every injured player — Webby [Adam Webster] and Solly [March] at the minute. I’m with them guys all the way as well, because we know what tough periods are ahead.
“But we know the feeling when you come back is the sweetest. So that's what strives you to keep going each day.”