Fit-again Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey ‘looking forward’ after injury nightmare | OneFootball

Hickey says it was an ‘amazing feeling’ to be back on the pitch after long-awaited return

Aaron Hickey admits it was an “amazing feeling” to be back on the pitch after making his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury against Gil Vicente.

It has been a long road to recovery for the Scotland international, who played several games for Brentford's B team last season as he built his way back to full fitness.

Hickey says he is glad he can finally look ahead to the new season.

“It feels amazing to be back out there with the boys,” said the full-back.

“It’s been very difficult, but thankfully I’m now back playing. I’m just looking forward to the season now.”

Hickey had been an integral part of the Brentford team before he suffered a hamstring injury away to Chelsea nearly two years ago.

He underwent surgery immediately and was expected to return to fitness last season, but a setback in training last August meant he required a second surgery to correct the issue.

Hickey returned to training in February 2025, but the club were cautious not to rush him back, and he had to wait until May before he was included in a matchday squad again.

Brentford have continued to take precautions with Hickey's recovery, but he has trained as normal with the first team throughout pre-season.

Hickey played the full 90 minutes as Igor Thiago's goal secured a draw for Brentford in their first game of pre-season.

With three weeks until the start of the new Premier League season, Hickey looks ready to compete for minutes.

Hickey faces competition at right-back from Italian youth international Michael Kayode, who signed permanently from Fiorentina this summer after an impressive loan spell.

Kayode arrived at Brentford on loan in January, making the right-back spot his own in the absence of Hickey.

The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal at Brentford after the club made his move permanent in May, and having started the final six games of last season he will be keen to keep his place in the team.