AN IRAQI homecoming has been just the ticket for injured Town midfielder Yaser Kasim, according to County Ground chief Luke Williams.

The 24-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury picked up during last month’s goalless draw at Gillingham and after getting off crutches, Swindon have allowed the midfielder to aid his recovery with a trip back to his homeland.

The Iraq international isn’t expected to return to the fold for Town until the tail end of March at the earliest, but the midfielder has seemingly enjoyed his jaunt to Asia, with his appearance at a football match drawing adoration on social media, and Williams thinks that the opportunity to recharge his batteries will give Kasim the best chance of hitting the ground running when he gets over his injury setback.

“Anybody that’s played football understands that to be injured and not to be able to do the thing that makes you what you are; it can be very depressing,” Williams told BBC Wiltshire.

“It can be a difficult time because all of a sudden, you have gone from training every day and being around the players and having this feeling of working towards the weekend. When that’s taken away, it is a difficult time.

“I think it was a good move for the club and for Yaser to go to Iraq, where he is adored. It brings him back to what he is and what he is all about, as opposed to completely switching off from football and sitting on a beach.

“I think some stuff was on social media that he is adored – it reminds him of what he is and what he’s achieved and that he must continue to work hard to achieve more.”

Meanwhile, Kasim has reportedly been selected as an overaged player for Iraq’s Olympic squad for this summer’s upcoming games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.