Dylan McGeouch admits that he still winces when he watches a re-run of his collision with Nuri Sahen in Philadelphia last month.
The 19-year-old was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw in the friendly against Real Madrid, a game his parents were watching on TV back in Glasgow.
After being rushed to hospital in the States, McGeouch was allowed to fly home with the Celtic party but had to be doped up for the journey, and returned to immediate surgery.
"Sahen wrote to me on Twitter, wishing me well, while some of the club staff said he came into our dressing room after the game to ask after me," said McGeouch. "It was a freak accident and there was nothing malicious in it. I know he feels bad about it.
"I can't remember the 15 to 20 seconds immediately before it. When I watch it, I cringe a bit because I know what's coming."
His diet for the last three weeks has been restricted to soft foods and soup – "I'm missing Nandos!" he joked – but he has declared himself ready to get back on the pitch again. He has admitted, though, that he will be a little tentative as he goes up for his first aerial clash.
"I asked the surgeon the same question, but he said that once it settles that [side of my] jaw should be stronger than the other side," he said.
"It is just in your mind, I think. Once I get over the first tackle I think it'll go away and I don't think there'll be any problems."
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