ELEVEN months after the start of the 2012 season, Wolves’ Stefan Ratchford is finally getting a holiday.

The 24-year-old went from playing in the Grand Final, to international duty with England and then into the operating theatre for a knee cartilage tidy-up, and is only now finding time to unwind before starting the process all over again.

“I went straight into camp, had my operation the day before England’s last game and have been in rehab ever since,” he said.

“It was nothing major, it was a cartilage tear in one of my knees and a bit of a cyst, so I needed to sort that out now while there are a few weeks to fully recover.

“I have my follow-up appointment with the specialist this week and if he gives me the all clear then I can look at getting a few days somewhere!"

Few would argue that the utility man does not deserve his time off, and though he is back in full training on December 21 he is unlikely to play any part in Wolves' Boxing Day match with Widnes.

"It is not really the physical side of things that you need to a take a break from," he said.

"It is more the mental side and just being able to spend more time at home and relax out of the routine. Hopefully I can get a few days in the sunshine, too!"