Motherwell striker Joe Efford has opened up on his pre-season struggles after revealing a bout of Covid brought back his childhood asthma.
The American striker was struck down by the virus at the end of June, just before the Steelmen embarked on a pre-season training camp in Austria in early July, and admitted he suffered breathing difficulties.
The 26-year-old, who hails from Georgia, has made a full recovery and believes he is fighting fit ahead of Sunday's Premiership clash at home to Hearts.
He explained: "Early on in the season I had Covid and it really hit me hard.
“When I was growing up I had asthma and I think it brought my asthma back.
"I was really struggling in training and in a few games also, so I went and saw the doctor.
"They prescribed me an inhaler and various things, but I haven't had any problems since.
"When I was eight or nine I had asthma attacks a lot but I grew out of it, it went away completely and I wasn’t on an inhaler for 10 years.
"Then Covid hit me and it came back right away, it was quite strange. It was the week right before we went to Austria.
"In a few games I was really struggling and I was struggling in training and so I went to the doctor and he prescribed me an inhaler.
"I haven’t had any problems since.
"But that first month was really difficult. We didn’t know what was wrong, I couldn’t breathe properly.
"It was concerning because with Covid you never know how long it is going to last. It could be long-term so it was quite concerning.
"These past two or three weeks my fitness has come back."
Efford is yet to get off the mark this season after nine appearances in all competitions.
But his last goal for the Steelmen came against the Jambos in a 2-1 victory at Fir Park in May and he will be hoping for similar success on Sunday amid competition from new signing Louis Moult for a starting slot.
He added: "I'm excited for the game and I'm feeling positive.
"We don't want to say numbers are important, but they are.
"It's important for a player to get goals and assists for sure.
"When a new attacker comes in it is good. It's beneficial because it create a competitive environment and you have to push yourself."
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