Barry Douglas has opened up on the psychological strain of working his way back from injury.
A year ago, the Leeds United full-back suffered a ruptured medial ligament in his knee towards the end of his first season at the club.
He worked his way back to full fitness over the summer but this campaign has seen him restricted to a handful of appearances.
A combination of niggling knocks and the impressive form of Ezgjan Alioski has meant the Scot has featured in just 11 Championship games this campaign.
Now, the 30-year-old has spoken of the frustrations that come with rehab and being out of the side for a prolonged period.
"For me, it's probably been the most difficult time in my career," said Douglas, who was speaking on the Talking Shutt podcast.
"It's been challenging. Because of the intensity and the workload my body was just giving up every time I came back.
"I just couldn't seem to get a run free from injuries and niggles.
"But it's definitely helped me grow as a person. I've had to deal with that mentally.
"The knee incident was, touch wood, my first serious injury in my career. I've had to learn from that.
"I went through rehab through summer.
"I started the season well and then picked up a little injury and since then it's been hard to get back in.
"It's about managing reality and expectations.
"If you take any tradesmen and tell them you can't do your work properly for three or four months but then still expect them to be fine and happy every day then that's not being realistic.
"That's probably the bit that gets overshadowed.
"Footballers are human beings and it's probably heightened more so when you get injured."
During the interview, Douglas was also quizzed on who among his teammates were the biggest characters.
And the fact that Douglas singled out young goalkeeper Illan Meslier may come as a surprise to some Whites' fans.
"Coming to a new culture and new country you could be quite shy or timid, but he (Meslier) just has no filter.
"He's brilliant. Everyone loves him and his character and he's so infectious.
"For someone so young, he's so chilled. There's no stress whatsoever.
"He's so calm all the time."
