EXCLUSIVE by Luke Cawdell

Stanley Aborah is hoping to emerge from 18 months of injury hell and restart his playing career at Gillingham.

The Ghanaian-born attacking midfielder, pictured, looked to have a glittering career ahead of him before injury left him wondering if he would play again.

Aborah, a Belgian national, progressed through the world-renowned Ajax Academy and in 2004 made a Champions League appearance aged 17.

A move to Middlesborough, then in the Premier League, was ready to be sealed before injury meant the deal was scrapped. He returned to mainland Europe but 18 months ago picked up a groin injury and hasn’t played since.

The 23-year-old has been on trial with the Gills all summer and hopes they will offer him the chance to get his career back on track.

"It would be a great start for me and I’d be very happy to play for Gillingham," he said. "Being out was terrible – it was very difficult. Sometimes you think am I going to play again or not?"

League 2 football would be a world away from what he has been used to but Aborah is prepared for the challenge.

"It’s hard for me as I need to get used to the level and the difference of playing, but I think I’ll do well," he said.

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