Having battled back from a long-standing injury Carl Lawson has endured a physically draining season which has seen him experience both sides of the coin.
The young winger sat and watched from the treatment room as the under-21s began their Barclays U21 Premier League in steam-train fashion, but while win after win was coming on the pitch, Lawson was forced to separate himself from the team as he stuck to his regimented rehab programme.
It was a tedious and tiresome process, but nevertheless a worthwhile one as the youngster returned to the fray in scintillating form.
“It was frustrating but I knew I was going to come back before Christmas,” said Lawson. “No one thought I would come back as well as I did so I have really enjoyed being back out there and doing my bit to help the team.
“I know how the lads play so it’s very easy to drop back in and obviously that made it easier to come back, score goals and do the things I like doing.”
He added: “It has been an enjoyable time for me but it’s just a pity the season has ended now because I hit a bit of form and it would’ve been good to continue that.”
Lawson ended the season in fine form with three goals in eight games which included a stunning winner in a hard-fought victory in the Tees-Wear derby at Middlesbrough.
And while the title has been snatched from the Lads’ grasp following Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur, Lawson has hailed the team’s effort and called for more of the same next season both from a personal and team perspective.
“In the under-21s it’s tough because you come up against some overage players who have played in the Champions League which is quite surreal, but it’s also great.
“It tests you and it gets it clear in your mind what levels you need to get to so it’s great for our development.”
He continued: “It would’ve been nice to win the league and that would’ve been a great achievement but we must continue what we’ve started this season and go again next year.”
