CHARLIE MULGREW has endured a frustrating few months on the Lennoxtown treatment table, writes Scott Mullen.
And the versatile Celtic star admits last Thursday was one of the most anxious nights he's suffered as he was put through the wringer by his team-mates.
Mulgrew was sitting in the Parkhead main stand as Ronny Deila's Celtic twice came back to hold Italian giants Inter Milan to a 3-3 draw in the Europa League.
Sidelined through a hamstring tendon problem, the Scotland internationalist has been forced to watch on in recent months while the Hoops' pursuit of silverware continues at speed.
And he confessed being restricted to a spectator after missing out on going toe-to-toe with Roberto Mancini's star-studded team was an uneasy experience.
Mulgrew said: "I was spewing, but what can you do? Once you get your head around it you have to get behind the boys and hope they get through and then you can be involved in the next round.
"I enjoyed the game - I was nervous and on the edge of my seat, but the boys were amazing to come from 2-0 down and credit goes to the boss and the players.
"It's hard to get excited when you are surrounded by other people. You don't want to be shouting too much, but you can't help but get involved in the game.
"You are itching to help. You just have to get behind them and hope they can get the result.
"I don't see why we can't get a result over there tomorrow. We proved we can score against them, so why can't we score in the San Siro?"
While his Celtic team-mates jetted out to Italy today, Mulgrew will remain back at Lennoxtown to focus on his own recuperation.
The 28-year-old has yet to kick a first-team ball in 2015 as a result of trying to rush himself back to fitness in time to face Rangers in the League Cup semi-final, only to aggravate his injury.
Despite the lure of a final appearance against Dundee United on the horizon, it is an error of judgment Mulgrew is sure he will not make again.
"I was told it might take six weeks to settle down, but it felt good after three weeks," said Mulgrew of the initial assessment at the turn of the year. "I was told to take the six weeks, but I tried to rush back for the Rangers game, which was my own fault.
"I played in an Under 20 game and ended up tearing the tendon, so it's been another six weeks. I probably shouldn't have played in that game, but I wanted to play and try to get fit.
"It felt good, but I should have taken the advice of my specialist. It's just one of those things.
"I am looking forward now and trying to be as positive as I can be. I'll be back into full training next Wednesday."
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