Injuries in sport are common place and without question are a source of frustration for any player that has had to miss a lengthy period of time playing their chosen game. Over the last 12 months, Inniskeen and Monaghan footballer Paul Meegan has suffered such a fate as cartilage problems in both his knees, stalled his gaelic football career, but now the talented forward is well on the way to full fitness and is determined to battle his way back into Seamus McEnaney's plans once again. Paul has underwent three operations since last January, but is now back injury free and working hard to build up his fitness ahead of the New Year, when he will be afforded the opportunity to line out in the Monaghan colours once again as the Dr McKenna Cup begins. Up to this year and the injury problems that ensued, it had been quite a remarkable couple of years for the 24-year-old as he helped guide his club to the All-Ireland intermediate club football title, scoring 1-6 from full forward as the Monaghan and Ulster champions defeated Galway side Caherlistrane in the decider. His performances during that campaign propelled him to the attention of the Monaghan senior management team and he was duly handed the opportunity to impress McEnaney and his selectors during the National League campaign. Paul held his place in the squad for the championship and was brought on against Kerry in the All-Ireland quarterfinal, when the Ulster side lost by the narrowest of margins to the defending champions. However, he now has to basically start all over again, but he is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way, both with the club and the county. "I want to get back into the county panel and prove myself. I'll get the chance in the Dr McKenna Cup and it's up to me to make the most of it," said Paul. "The last year has been tough, but it makes you realise that you have to grasp every opportunity given to you. "Fortunately, I have time on my side and it would be great to get back working with Banty again. He has done some job and I don't think there is anyone that would say a bad word about him. Martin McElkennon also deserves great credit for his role in training the side and I don't think a Monaghan team has ever been as fit." Paul is in no doubt that this current county team deserves to win something in the very near future and the Inniskeen clubman would love to be a part of that success. "I think Monaghan not only deserve to win something, but they need it with the effort that this current squad has put in. They have left no stone unturned in their preparations and the lads have given it their all. They've proven this year that their no flash in the pan. Hopefully, I can play a part in that and help the county to some much needed glory." Paul also believes that such is the high standard of club football within the county that it should come as no surprise for the county to lift some silverware. "Club football in Monaghan is very strong and there is not a lot between six or seven of the teams with any one of them capable of lifting the title. Their performances in the Ulster club championship have proven this, even though clubs have not had a long run in the campaign, they have been unfortunate to come up against some of the strongest teams in the province, all of who had tough matches against the Monaghan sides." Paul stressed that if his own club could get their strongest side out, they would cause the majority of the teams in the county some problems during the championship. "Since winning the All-Ireland club, we have remained senior, but we now have six lads in Australia, while another player is in England. This is tough on a club like ours and although we are a relatively young side, the loss of so many players is hard to take. "I'll be back next year and Matthew McKenna, who has been out injured also will be playing too, so hopefully we can make more of an impact during the year." For the time being, Paul admits he will be hard at work trying to build his fitness up back to the level that it was at before the injuries occurred. "It's more or less just doing a lot of work in the gym, building and strengthening the muscles again. I feel in good shape, but I still have a lot of work to do before the New Year. If I can get a few club games in to help with match fitness, it would be great." Away from the football field, Paul is employed with Broomfield Construction, which is a leading building and civil engineering firm based in Bree, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. As Contracts Manager, Paul's role in the company entails looking after a number of projects that are currently ongoing. Broomfield Construction are now offering a new service for private builders as they can deliver the eco-build system, ensuring that the running costs are kept to a minimum. With 35 years experience in the building trade, Broomfield Construction is at the forefront of its field of expertise and has been involved in many major projects in the county and further afield. Broomfield employs 50 people direct, while a large quantity of the work is sub contracted, ensuring that it is a major employer on a local basis. Having put the last 12 months well and truly behind him, Paul is looking forward to 2009 with an air of optimism although he stressed that he will be taking evrything one step at a time. "I don't think anyone can look too far ahead and for me the main aim will be making it on to the squad. I'll be giving it everything over the next few months and we'll see what happens." During his long lay off, Paul set up his own business, which he conducts at evenings and weekends. 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