Cowley Back For Weekend Blaze Matches

Last updated : 22 October 2010 By PM

Russell Cowley will be back in the Coventry Blaze line-up for this weekend's games against Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants.

The Great Britain forward, 27, has missed the last 11 matches with a knee ligament injury he sustained in an exhibition game against Telford Tigers on September 15.

But after an extra week of recuperation, Cowley is now ready to return as coach Paul Thompson's side bid to bounce back from last Sunday's home Challenge Cup defeat by Cardiff Devils.

Cowley said: "It's been so far so good this week. I trained on Tuesday and again this morning and I am happy enough to get back out there.

"I am excited actually as it feels like it has been six months rather than five weeks. It has been frustrating watching although the team winning has taken that little bit of pressure off to come back early."

Cowley has also promised there will be a positive reaction to the loss to Cardiff, which brought to an end an eight-game winning streak.

First Coventry face Sheffield, who are smarting from their 4-0 home defeat by Braehead Clan last Saturday, before welcoming Elite League leaders Belfast to the Skydome on Sunday.

Blaze beat Steelers 5-1 at home last month while they went down to successive defeats to Belfast on the second weekend of the campaign.

Cowley added: "We didn't pick up any points against Cardiff on Sunday because we didn't deserve any. We got out-worked in our own barn and that is something Thommo won't accept, especially at home. It proved we can't afford to take a night, a shift or a period off.

"The Sheffield game was the best we have played all year but they are a good team, especially on the powerplay, so we will have to come and play.

"Belfast have been like a train running at high speed so someone is going to have to put the breaks on them soon or they will move away from the rest of the pack and nobody will be able to catch them."