Ofir Marciano isn’t taking anything for granted after being out injured more than once this year – a rarity for the Israeli ‘keeper.
The Hibs stopper he regained his place as the Easter Road number one after missing a significant portion of the first half of the season following finger surgery, then a calf injury suffered against Rangers in December.
A concussion to Adam Bogdan allowed him back in, and he’s retained the gloves, although the Hungarian is expected to be back to challenge him soon enough.
Marciano though, is just grateful to be fit. “It's been a really weird season for me because before I didn't really get injured but now I've had two injuries this year,” he explained.
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“Thanks God I'm fit now and this is the only thing that I'm focusing on. I really appreciate the place that I'm here now.
“The most important thing is to stay healthy, work hard and take it because this is a privilege, to play football."
Marciano also revealed it’s harder for foreign players to cope mentally with injury while being away from home.
"You always ask yourself when you're injured if it's worth it when you're coming form a different country and everything,” he explained. “But at the end of the day that's why I'm here, to play.
“I'm happy now that I'm playing and playing well. I appreciate it and don't take it for granted. I try to keep myself fit and in the best form that I can."
Did he manage to get home during his time out? "No, I'd be turning up here, training everyday trying to get as fit as I can. It's not a pleasant time but one that you need to face and get through."
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