‘I feel unbelievable’ - Why James Coppinger is flying again after a mini-break from Doncaster Rovers

Coppinger had an injection to deal with a nagging complaint in his ankle and says he is already feeling the benefits from it.

The 39-year-old had the same treatment last summer and believes it helped him enjoy a strong first half of the campaign.

And he is confident the repeat procedure will see him contribute over the next few months.

“In the last two or three days that I’ve had off and had the injection, I feel unbelievable,” Coppinger said.

“It’s the first time I’ve had this injection in a season. I had one in July and I knew I was going to have another one because you can get three in a year.

“After having this injection it makes me feel really, really good.

“I’m looking forward to this next 16 games and hopefully contribute as much as I can.”

Coppinger explains the issue as ‘Footballer’s Ankle’ - which arises from excessive upward bending of the joint and causes multiple issues.

“I’m 39 and I’ve been kicking footballs for 30-odd years,” he said. “There’s now a bony spur that gives me a bit of gyp.

“I can continue. It just gets to the stage where it nags.

“This Ostenil and steroid injection and it lasts six to eight weeks so it’s really good.

“I’ve never been so excited to have an injection in my life.”