Linfield boss David Healy hails return of 'incredible human being' Robbie McDaid
David Healy admits he felt equal emotions of delight and relief watching Robbie McDaid return from long-term injury on Saturday. The 28-year-old finally made his first-team comeback after spending 672 days on the sidelines.
McDaid nightmare started when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury back in February 2023.. It continued 10 months later when he ruptured his Achilles whilst playing for the reserves.
The double injury blow left his career on the ropes, but on Saturday he enjoyed a more positive comeback with a cameo appearance against former club Glenavon.
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The former Leeds United striker is now looking to end his injury nightmare, one that has derailed his time at Windsor park since joining the Blues from Glentoran in the summer of 2022.
It has been a long, arduous road of recovery and rehabilitation for McDaid, but Healy is confident the striker can kick on from Saturday's cameo appearance.
Healy told Linfield TV: "I am really pleased for Robbie. Anyone who doesn't know Robbie, first and foremost he is an incredible human being. He is a brilliant boy.
"The disappointments and suffering he has had to face over the last couple of years have been astronomical. I am pleased for Robbie to be back.
"It was maybe a little bit sooner, in terms of the minutes he had today. I spoke to him after today and I just think he is really pleased to get the first one out of the way."
Healy says McDaid has already become a fans' favourite at Linfield despite serious injury limiting his game time.
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He added: "First and foremost I am pleased to see Robbie back. You could see the reception he got today, albeit Robbie has only been here a short period.
"The fans have probably felt the pain Robbie has been feeling. So I am really pleased to see him back."
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