BEN Perry has grown as a person during his long injury lay-off as he nears a much-anticipated playing comeback.
That's the view of Colchester United boss Danny Cowley, who is delighted to see the midfielder on the verge of returning to action after more than a year on the sidelines.
Perry has been out since August 2025 with a cruciate ligament injury suffered in only his fourth game for the U's, at the start of last season.
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It resulted in the former Nottingham Forest youngster missing almost an entire campaign, as he battled his way back to fitness.
However, the 21-year-old is now back in full training and is set to feature for the U’s under-21s in their Professional Development League game at Wigan Athletic, next Tuesday.
Cowley said: “He’s done a lot of competitive training now, so he’s well ready for that.
“He’s a great kid.
“He’s worked so hard, some bits that people don’t really see as professional footballers.
“He’s a young boy who had spent all of his life at Nottingham Forest, lived at home with mum and dad, he makes the move to us, moves out, moves home, lives on his own and then and then maybe just four weeks into the move, he ruptures his cruciate.
“So it’s been a long road back – it’s been tough, not been easy at all.
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“But he’s grown as a person through this period and we’re so proud of the way that he’s approached it and his commitment to it.
“We’re now just looking forward to him getting back out on the pitch and doing what he does best."
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