Gaz having to curb his enthusiasm (From Bucks Free Press)

Gaz having to curb his enthusiasm

11:30am Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport By Andy Carswell

GARETH Ainsworth admits he might have to reel in his enthusiasm for playing after picking up a hamstring injury.

He was going to withdraw himself during the interval against Plymouth but was talked out of it by his team mates.

He carried on and admitted he probably shouldn't have continued for as long as he did - but the Blues' caretaker manager said he wanted to lead by example on the pitch instead of from the sidelines.

Ainsworth said he's unlikely to last 90 minutes in any future appearances he makes - although if the rest of the players step up their performances, he won't be on the field at all.

He said: "At half time there was a question of will I have to come off. A few of the experienced pros said no, we need you out there for another ten minutes.

"I don't think I should have stayed on for another 20 minutes but I didn't want to leave them.

"What I showed in the first half was what I want - passion and drive going forward.

"Verbally I can give some good instructions from the sideline but a picture paints a thousand words. I was showing on the pitch what I wanted - I want that desire. I haven't got the legs some of these guys have but I've still got the heart."

He added: "If the lads can perform like they did on Tuesday, if all 11 can do that I won't need to come on the pitch and I can save my legs.

"Dobbo [assistant manager Richard Dobson] and Lee Harrison will tell me if I'm not looking as good as I was. My body will do that as well - I'll know if I'm not performing as well as Gareth Ainsworth can.

"Maybe there will be some limited performances. I can't see myself finishing 90 minutes any more."