The teenage striker was a mainstay of City’s superb PL2 title triumph last season, finishing as both top scorer with 24 goals and being voted PL2 player of the season.
Having also made a big impact at senior level, memorably scoring on his first team City debut against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and making his Premier League debut, Delap had been hoping to kick-on again this term having signed a new contract in August.
However, an injury to his right ankle ligaments sustained in the summer derailed his start to the season – and then when the 18-year-old did make his comeback, he was laid low by a separate problem with his left ankle.
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But having put in some painstaking rehabilitation over the past few months and made a return to training, Delap is now eager to get back out on the pitch.
And all being well, he is hoping he could potentially be involved in the EDS’s crucial Monday night PL2 trip to his former club Derby – a match that will be televised live on CITY+.
“It’s been a tough four months,” Delap admitted in an interview with The National. “It isn’t so bad midweek but when the games come around it’s so frustrating. I just want to be out there.
“I’ve managed to focus and work hard and importantly not rush things. I am still so young and had to make sure the injuries healed properly so there are no issues later in my career.
“Patience has obviously been key. You get so well looked after at City that the rehab doesn’t feel like a chore.
“It has been a lot of fun watching James (McAtee) and Cole (Palmer) break through and get minutes in first team games. We are all great mates from the youth team and it would be great to one day play alongside them in the Premier League.
“I’m training with the first team every day and it can’t get better than that. We have some of the world’s best players and they are right up there because of their attitude in training.
“I am so happy here it feels like I have been here forever. I just love the place and all the people. I can’t wait to do even more.”
Derby v City’s EDS takes place on Monday, February 7, kick-off 7pm and will be screened live on CITY+ You can find details of how to subscribe HERE.
