Prop Bucknall hails Leeds medics

Bucknall is a former Northampton academy player

Leeds Carnegie prop Peter Bucknall has praised the Headingley medical staff for his successful comeback from a serious knee injury.

The 27-year-old underwent surgery to repair cruciate ligaments in February but has returned to action after coming through extensive rehabilitation.

"The medical team's help and input has been very helpful," Bucknall told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Everything has been monitored and the club have done a great job with it."

Bucknall played 70 minutes of Monday night's A team 45-21 win over Newcastle at West Park, the fourth game since his comeback.

"I feel right up to speed now and feel really good and it was good to go out there and show the coaches what I can do," explained Bucknall.

"It has been very frustrating period but you have to get you mindset right that you are in for the long haul.

"It's not just about getting fit again, it's about learning your skills set once more.

"With an operation on your knee your body has to learn again how to do even the most basic things like running, scrummaging and tackling.

"And you can't just go out there and blitz it because you knee says it's had a enough after a bit, so you have to be very patient.

"The medical team planned everything out for me, from my training to how much game time I actually got, all in order to build the knee up in the right way and as safely as possible.

"They've worked hard with me in training to build my confidence up so when i go into a game I'm not worrying about the knee going again and can just focus on the game. The injury has been very well managed.

I feel good enough and fit enough to be able to play in the Premiership now

Leeds Carnegie prop Peter Bucknall

"Now I just want to get back into the first team, secure my place and help Leeds move forward.

"There is a lot of competition for places in the front-row here at Leeds, so I just have to keep working hard.

"It's up to the coaches when they think I'm ready for full first team action, but I feel good enough and fit enough to be able to play in the Premiership now."