Portsmouth teen starlet given boost in fightback from horror injury
He was dealt a desperate and unfortunate training ground injury blow earlier this month - but there’s positive news for the New Zealand international.
Luke Brooke-Smith has hit his first significant landmark as the teen prospect attacks his gruelling injury comeback.
And the talented winger has been backed to once again show his fighting spirit to making a roaring return from his fitness pain.
Brooke-Smith’s mother: ‘The drive in this kid is like something I have never seen.’
Brooke-Smith is now on the recovery trail, after suffering a horror training ground injury earlier this month.
That left the 18-year-old with a dislocated ankle, leg fracture and ‘significant’ ankle ligament damage, as his promising start to life at Fratton Park hit the buffers.
That was a huge blow for the New Zealand international so soon into his Fratton career, following his capture from A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
Brooke-Smith successfully underwent surgery a couple of weeks ago, with a ‘rope’ implant used as opposed to screws and pins.
Now the £400,000 has his hit a milestone along the road to fitness, after having his cast removed.
That will open the door to more exercises such as swimming, with Brooke-Smith already doing upper-body work as he tackles his rehabilitation head on.
His progress is being documented by his mother, Clare, on social media as she documents her son’s levels of determination.
That has been outlined previously as she highlighted Brooke-Smith’s resilience as a youngster, with the BMX championship fighting back from a double leg break and previous ankle dislocation to compete at the World Championships.
She wrote on Facebook earlier this month: ‘People saying Luke is out for the season or career ending injury, either don't know Luke or don't know god.
‘This was nine years ago (the double leg break and dislocation), the drive in this kid is like something I have never seen. Miracles after miracles.
‘His faith and determination make him like no one else. Stand by my boy, send good vibes and positive thoughts.
‘Luke you truly are outstanding and I know that next year you will once again surprise us with your dedication and love for sport!’
Brooke-Smith’s mother’s words have been echoed by Pompey boss John Mousinho, who believes his player will be stronger than ever on his return.
Mousinho said earlier this month: ‘Yes, the surgery went well and hopefully he will be back in the new year.
‘We haven’t got an exact date because it’s a serious injury, but we’re looking at post-Christmas for him.
‘It hopefully isn’t season ending, but he’s not going to be jumping for joy at the moment.
‘He’s as you would expect a young lad who’s come over and made a real contribution in the Championship to be.
‘His football, unfortunately, has been curtailed at the minute by a really serious injury.
‘I’m sure he will get over that and be really positive that he’s going to get himself back.
‘We’re hopeful we can get him back, but there will be no rush on it because we don’t want to pressure on Luke - but that will be the hope.
‘I think he will be stronger when he will be back as well.’