Mark O’Hara is eager to repay Graham Alexander’s faith and prove to be a big player after his return from injury.
The 25-year-old has endured an injury nightmare since Alexander became ‘Well boss in January.
The versatile midfielder was ruled out for three months with a concussion and he suffered another setback in pre-season when he picked up a hamstring injury.
O’Hara returned last weekend against Dunee and he revealed that Alexander views him as a ‘big player’.
He said: “I had worked really hard off-season and it was unfortunate, I went to run right away and my hamstring went. But it's been feeling good the last few weeks so I am good to go now.
“I am someone who has never really had any problems throughout my career and it's been testing for me this year.
“I love football, I live and breathe it. When I go home that's all I think about it.
“It has been very frustrating but I am putting in the hard work over the last few weeks to get back to full fitness.
“We played a closed-door game the other day and I was surprised at how good I was feeling, so I am raring to go.
“It's time for me to kick on now and play a big part this season. The way the manager has spoken to me, he sees me as a big player.
“Personally I always look to prove that I'm more than capable of being one of the top players and someone he can trust, and from the conversations I have had with him, he knows that. I just want to help the team now.
“There is nothing worse than watching and not being a part of it.
“It was reassuring with the manager and the communication is brilliant from the players. At no point do any of the boys let you feel down. I was out for six weeks but it flew in.”
O’Hara has played in different positions across his career, and since arriving at Fir Park, but Alexander wants him to settle into a specific position.
“The manager says he sees me as a box-to-box midfielder,” O’Hara added. “Since I have been here I have been unfortunate that other players have been injured and I havent really had a run in that position.
“But that's where he wants to use me and that's where I see myself so hopefully he can get the best out of me.
“I am someone who likes to get in the box and score goals and contribute up that end of the pitch so hopefully I can start that off on Saturday.”
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