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Leo Gaxha: "I want to show what I can do"
- Colm Murphy
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
It was a welcome sight for Dundalk supporters to see Leo Gaxha back in action on Tuesday night against Shelbourne in the Leinster Senior Cup.
Having returned to the bench for last Friday’s league clash with Derry City, Leo made his long-awaited comeback as a substitute on Tuesday night against Shelbourne — his first appearance in over nine months after suffering an ACL rupture against Finn Harps in Ballybofey last June.
Reflecting on the injury, Leo admitted the initial setback was a cruel one, especially given how well he felt he was playing at the time. “I think it was around the 70th minute when the ACL rupture occurred, but I actually stayed on the pitch until about the 83rd minute. The adrenaline probably kicked in and I didn’t realise the full extent of it at the time.
“But afterwards, when I tried to turn, that’s when I really felt the pain. It was unfortunate because I felt like I was having a good season. I felt like I was in a really good place physically — probably the strongest I’d felt in a long time — so it was a tough one to take.”
Long Recovery Period
Now around ten and a half months on from the injury, Leo says the hardest period came in the immediate aftermath, when the reality of such a long recovery set in.
“To be honest, the surgery was probably the easiest part because you’re put to sleep and the repair is done for you,” he said. “It was everything after that which was difficult — regaining the range of motion in my knee, being able to walk normally again, and just getting back to basic things.
“I couldn’t drive for a while, I couldn’t walk without crutches for a while, and I think that was probably the hardest part. When you’re used to being active every day, training, playing every week, and then suddenly you’re just sitting or lying down and not allowed to do anything, it’s really tough.
“The first few weeks, probably the first six weeks, were the hardest because I wasn’t able to do much at all. You’re just left sitting with your thoughts.”
Club Rehab Work From there, the road back became more manageable, thanks to a combination of hard work and support from those around him.
“After that, it became smoother in terms of rehab,” he said. “I did my rehab with Matt Freeman and he was really good with me. Ronan Murray at the club helped me a lot as well.
“Once you’re back in that environment and you’re doing a bit of work on your knee and on the injury itself, it definitely makes things easier. But I always said to myself there were only two options — either work hard or slack off, and if you slack off, you might come back and not be ready. I wanted to put all the work in and give myself the best chance possible, and I feel like I’ve definitely done that.”
Promotion Regrets
While delighted to finally be back involved, Leo admitted it was difficult to miss the closing stretch of last season, particularly as Dundalk pushed on to secure promotion.
“It was tough not being there for the last part of the season,” he said. “But at the same time, I started 18 out of the 18 games I was available for, so I know I played my part in the season too.
“Obviously, people tend to remember the end of the season more than the middle of it, and that’s natural. But I know what I contributed before the injury, and I know where I left off.”
Waiting for the chance
Leo has also taken encouragement from the progress of teammates who have kicked on from last season into this campaign, while also trusting that his own chance will come again.
“A lot of the lads have carried their form from last season into this one, which is great for them and brilliant for the team,” he said. “But I believe everyone gets their chance eventually, and I believe mine will come too. It’s just a matter of time.
“I’m looking forward to that opportunity, but for now I just have to stay patient. I know that when my chance comes, I’ll be ready to show where I left off last season and pick it up again.”
With competition for places high and players across the squad making strong impressions when called upon, Leo believes the manager’s willingness to rotate has created a positive environment for everyone.
“I think every game this season there have been changes, with different people coming in and out, and I think that’s a good sign,” he said. “It shows how strong the squad is.
“The manager gives everyone an opportunity if you’re training well and doing what’s expected of you, and that gives players confidence. For me, it’s about building up my minutes now, getting fitter, getting that match sharpness back.
“Any player wants to be starting games, and of course that’s in the back of my mind, but right now it’s about getting fully fit and ready. Once I feel that, then it’s up to me to push on and get into the team.”
