Amjad Iqbal ready for return to football after long injury

[Courtesy: Zohaib Rashid from DesiBallers]

AMJAD IQBAL will make a return to competitive football after signing for Bradford Park Avenue.

The Pakistan international has been out of the game for a year after suffering a leg break while playing for AFC Farsley against Armthorpe Welfare in October 2010.

Iqbal suffered a double break on his left leg but through self-belief and endless amounts of rehab, Iqbal is now ready to do battle on the pitch.

The 31-year-old has worked hard over recent weeks, playing in a number of games to prove his fitness and mental toughness to get back into competitive football.

He has signed for Bradford PA, who currently lie in fifth place in the 2011-12 Evo-Stik League Northern Premier League (Level 7 in English football pyramid) table, just four points behind leaders Chorley.

Bradford PA manager John Deacey is eager to have Iqbal, who can play in defence or midfield, in the squad and is prepared to give him his first league start away to Mickleover Sports on Saturday (8).

“I have signed Amjad Iqbal and he will be playing our next game at centre back. I can promise that because he is fit,” said Deacey.

Iqbal’s return is also good news for Pakistan, who have missed his presence in key matches including their World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh.