Andy Driver says thanks to Hearts staff

The winger has secured a move to the American club Houston Dynamo but revealed how he almost walked out on the game at the height of his injury problems. Driver joins  Dyanmo on loan until June, with the Texan club having the option to sign him permanently if he impresses in the MLS. At 25, he is determined to relaunch his career in the United States but admitted he could so easily be out of football completely.

Knee and thigh problems robbed the player of almost two years of playing time and led to thoughts of walking away as he sat alone in the Riccarton  treatment room.

“There were times when I did consider just sacking it,” said Driver. “I had two years where the injuries were just constant and it’s taken me a long while to get over that.

“There were flashes when something goes wrong, you’re in the physio room feeling lonely and thinking, ‘what’s the point?’ But you’ve got your team-mates who pull you through. I’ve been with a few of them for 12 years so you don’t consider those thoughts for long. I’ve got great mates there who I’ll be friends with forever. It’s going to be hard saying goodbye to everybody.

“I’ve got a lot of thanks for the physiotherapy department at Hearts, they’ve been amazing with me. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for them. Going through that has given me the drive and determination to make the most of my career now I can continue it as I  want to.

“I’m 25 now but I’ve only really had a few good seasons. That makes me want to achieve more because I missed a lot of time and I’ve got a lot to make up. I’m out to achieve everything I can.”