Ross Callachan was in lockdown longer than most after a leg break left him housebound even before coronavirus struck.
So the new Hamilton midfielder is determined to make up for lost time after being handed a fresh start by Accies boss Brian Rice.
The 26-year-old fractured his fibula against Partick Thistle in February, while on loan at Dundee from St Johnstone.
It left the midfielder fearing for his future at McDiarmid Park before football was forced to shutdown.
But last week he made his Accies debut against Celtic and is set to play a key role when Brian Rice's side host Ross County this afternoon.
And the former Hearts and Raith players is grateful for the chance.
He said: "Before quarantine I was quarantined anyway.
"I couldn't leave the house. I was in a plaster for a week and I got a moon boot after that.
"I still couldn't walk for another five weeks after that.
"I was just hobbling about on crutches, trying my best to get around the house.
"They said I'd be back training after four months, so the season was over.
"It was quite a stressful thing because I was out of contract [at St Johnstone] and then with lockdown, I wasn't sure where I would be so I'm really grateful to get the chance here.
"There's a lot of good players who will be struggling to get a team.
"I feel very lucky to still be in football, especially with my leg break, so I want to repay the manager."
Accies welcome a County side riding high after an opening victory over Motherwell on Monday.
The behind closed doors clash will be their first appearance at New Douglas Park since they beat Kilmarnock 1-0 in March and they'll be desperate to get points on the board.
Callachan added: It's our first home game of the season so we want to get off to a flier.
"Ross County are a right good team. It's going to be hard, but we are a good team as well.
"I think we can get in their faces, play it forward quickly and press them.
"We created a few chances against Celtic and our shape was good.
"Our chances came from our shape being good.
"If we get crosses in the box, we've got players who are good in the air and I'll get in the box as well.
"Hopefully we stick to our game plan and get the three points."
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