Bicknell targets October return for Waterhouse

Having missed Waterhouse’s opening Jamaica Premier League (JPL) match because of injury, former national Under-20 player Alexander Bicknell says he is targeting a return to action next month.

Bicknell, a 21-year-old central midfielder, is recovering from a minor knee injury suffered during a practice game last month. In his absence, Waterhouse thrashed Humble Lion 5-0 in their season opener on Monday evening at Stadium East.

“It is just a bone bruise in my right knee and it is just a small injury that I am recovering from now, so hopefully, I will start back training this week and I will be back playing by October,” said Bicknell.

“This injury is just a small knock, because it happened in August, and so it is nothing to worry about,” he added.

Bicknell said he is using his time away from the field to work on his physical development in the gym.

“I am feeling good right now because I am using the time to strengthen the muscles that I usually don’t have time to strengthen during the season. I am also using the time to get very fit so that I can be ready to play as soon as I am back.”

The midfielder scored two goals for the Drewsland-based club in last season’s JPL campaign. He said one of his main objectives this season is to earn his first senior national call-up.

“Yes, anyone that performs at a high level deserves a call-up and hopefully I can reach there this season, so it will be a dream come true,” he said.

Waterhouse were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of last season’s competition under then head coach Javier Ainstein. The team is now led by Donovan Duckie.

Bicknell also believes Waterhouse have a squad capable of winning the league this season and says the players have adapted well to Duckie’s philosophy.

“I am very excited about this season and I think that we have a very talented squad. I want us to hopefully make the top two in the league and to reach the final, and I know that we can bring home the trophy,” Bicknell said.

“Our coach really knows how to work with the players as well as other coaches; they have been doing a really great job.”