LargsThistle's forgotten man's return to spotlight after foot injury

The Largs Thistle midfielder was one of a raft of close season signings last July - but only two home games into the season he suffered a foot injury against Rob Roy which kept him out of action for more than six months.

The injury was a body blow for the 25-year-old midfielder - who made his first start since his lay-off in Thistle's last match against Darvel on April 1.

McGrath was one of two players who made the move to Barrfields in the summer from last season's beaten Scottish Junior Cup finalists Yoker Athletic, alongside defender Ryan McCreath - and they didn't have to wait long to get their hands on silverware with Thistle as they triumphed in the Johnstone Burgh pre-season tournament, in which McGrath scored.

But until recent weeks, Thistle fans had been deprived of the chance to see what the midfielder can do. 

And even though the Largs management team have shown great faith in David's ability by signing him up for next season, David is desperate to make an impact in the few games that remain of the current campaign.

Recalling the injury, David said: "It was only the third game of the season. 

"I never saw the player coming from behind - he stamped down as I came through to kick the ball, and he caught the top of my foot.

"It was a bruised bone, and after months of in and out of hospital and receiving physio and three different sets of scans, including an MRI scan, we found out what the problem was.

"The two Largs physios didn't think there were any chipped or broken bones but I personally didn't realise how long it can be to recover from a bruised bone.

"I have also been to see foot specialists, and I was initially told it could be a 9-12 month recovery - but our two physios at the club worked hard with me on different recovery methods.

"It ended up being six and a half months out which was much better than expected, and I am very grateful for all the help I received from the club physios Devenney Smith and Caitlin Shadwell."

David McGrath proudly holding the scarf aloft after signing last July

David told the News that it was very frustrating for him to miss out for such a big chunk of the season and is now looking forward to showing to supporters what he can do.

"Coming from Yoker it was a big jump," he said, "but the boys have been great and very encouraging.

"I remember coming to Barrfields just before I signed and met everyone including Arnie [manager Stuart Davidson] and all the coaching staff. It felt right up my street and I immediately wanted to be a part of it.

"Last season with Yoker we got to the Scottish Junior Cup final against all the odds. We were underdogs all the way through but we kept pulling off results.

"We had a great team and some super individuals who have all merited their moves to their new clubs, including big Macca (Ryan McCreath) at Largs."

David started out as a youth player with Harmony Row FC in Govan before moving to Yoker's under-21s, and then to the senior side at Holm Park.

And while losing out to Auchinleck in last season's Junior Cup final was heartbreaking, he says the road to the final is a journey he'll never forget - and has vowed to use the experience to inspire him on to win silverware in a Largs jersey.

"It has definitely not been easy for me to get back in the squad," he said, 

"but I have been training for two months and building it up.

"I was surprised I got selected against Darvel.

"Arnie did say to me there was no pressure to get back, and there would be plenty of time to get back into the team - and he has been true to his word, so I want to now really make an impact.

"There is great depth in the squad now, and the club have signed more players, so it is great to be involved."

David McGrath has already celebrated silverware with Thistle at pre-season tournament at Johnstone Burgh (Image: Ryan Scott Photography)

While the Darvel game was McGrath's first start in a Largs jersey since returning from injury, he also played his part as a substitute in the previous week's win away to Troon, coming on from the bench to help Thistle see out a vital 2-1 win under the Portland Park floodlights.

"It was a great win and very hard fought battle," said the midfielder, "and it was very important three points. There was a great buzz at the full-time whistle."

McGrath describes himself as a roving midfielder and likes to score when he can going forward.

"The attitude of the management is to work hard and go into every game feeling we can win it," he said.

"That is a great spirit to have and you can see it throughout the spine of the team and that comes from Arnie and the management."

"Everyone at the club has been so welcoming to me - and now I feel like I am starting the season all over again breaking into the first team."