Wellington Phoenix defender Louis Fenton is eager to make the most of his second chance this A-League season, after initially being ruled out with a shoulder injury.
In November, Fenton, 27, dislocated his shoulder during a controversial 3-2 defeat to Melbourne City and dropped two 'F-bombs' during a post game interview.
The following month, he underwent surgery and was expected to miss the remainder of the season.
The injury was the latest in several setbacks for Fenton, who had previously dislocated both shoulders, and broken his leg and foot.
But the coronavirus pandemic, which saw the season suspended in March, has given Fenton a second chance, when the Phoenix face Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium on July 17.
On Saturday, the team departed for Australia to begin self-isolating at a secure facility in New South Wales.
Fenton will likely be thrust straight back into action, after replacement Tim Payne was handed a four-game suspension for breaking coronavirus lockdown rules, while the Phoenix were self-isolating in Sydney in March.
"I don't know if I benefited from coronavirus, but to be able to play this season was something I thought wasn't possible," he has told reporters at Wellington Airport.
"To be able to contribute is something I'm happy to do. The surgeon has done a good job, so now they should stay in place.
"I want to play every game and even if Tim was available, I'd be wanting to push him and earn my spot back in the starting side."
Fenton hopes to make amends for his last outing in a game filled with controversy.
Against City, Fenton was pinged for handball in the second half, when the ball hit his chest, before ricocheting off his arm and going out.
Phoenix officials were fuming at the decision, but Fenton was the inconsolable.
"It didn't even f*****g hit my hand," Fenton told Fox Sports reporter Archie Thompson, before storming off and continuing to swear. "It's f****d."
Earlier in the game, Fenton had dislocated his shoulder, but kept playing and the injury, along with the handball, didn't help his mood.
"I shouldn't have sworn on TV, but I'm sorry about that," he reflects. "I guess there was frustration with the handball and more knowing that was going to be out for a long time.
"I was disappointed with that and my emotions got the better of me."
Plenty has changed at the Phoenix since Fenton last played. After the loss to Melbourne, the Phoenix were reeling at the bottom of the standings, winless after four games, but they head into the resumption in third place, four points behind second-placed Melbourne City with three games in hand.
"I'm still looking forward to winning my first game, that's what I'm excited about.
"The Phoenix always have more obstacles compared to other teams. We won't make any excuses and once we get on the field, it'll be 11 v 11 and we will hope to win."
