Brentford defender Aaron Hickey has revealed that he is closing in on a return to team training after it was announced that he had signed a new deal with the Premier League side.
Hickey, who joined Brentford from Bologna in 2022, has not played for the Bees since October 2023 due to a long-term hamstring injury.
As a result of the serious injury, the Scotland international also missed the chance to represent his country at Euro 2024 in Germany.
However, Hickey's lengthy spell on the sidelines has not dissuaded Brentford from tying him down to a new long-term contract.
The Bees have announced that Hickey has put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at the Gtech Community Stadium until the summer of 2028, with an option for the club to extend by a further year.
© Imago
Frank expressed delight at new Hickey deal
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank admitted he was "happy" with the news that Hickey has committed his long-term future to the club.
"I'm happy that we've signed a new contract with Aaron," Frank told Brentford's official website. "He has struggled with injuries over the last year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel now.
"We know that, before he was injured, he was a very good full-back with a high ceiling and with high potential. Now, it's about getting Aaron back on the grass and getting him games so he can show his high level again."
It has proven to be a productive week for Brentford on the contract front after the club previously confirmed a new deal for Keane Lewis-Potter.
Brentford announced on Wednesday that Lewis Potter has signed a contract until the summer of 2031, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
Aaron Hickey, here to stay 🏴🐝 pic.twitter.com/8NuEDKQeN6
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 11, 2025
Hickey provides update on injury recovery
Hickey delivered a positive update on his recovery following the news of his new contract, revealing that he is closing in on a return to full training.
"I'm back on the pitch running, so I'm not far away," Hickey told the club's medial channels. "I'm just building up fitness and, hopefully, in the next few weeks, I'll be back training with the team.
"It's been a very long time - it's been difficult and disappointing for me. But these things happen and, now, I just have to make sure I'm mentally strong and ready to come back into the team again."
"It's been hard. I had my first surgery, which didn't go well, so that was a major disappointment for me. I had another surgery, worked my way back, I was back running, and then I felt something again.
"I feel like I've been very unlucky, to be honest. But now I'm feeling good and I'm fully focused on being back and training with the team.
"I go and support the boys nearly every week and it's great that they're doing well - we've got a great blend of players here and it's all starting to come together."
Hickey, who has made 37 competitive appearances for the Bees, will boost Frank's full-back options when he eventually returns to competitive action, having previously shown that he can play on the right or left side of defence.
