ALEX Gorrin is making the most of his limited freedom – from speaking to his family in Tenerife the Oxford United midfielder knows it could be worse.

The 26-year-old is using his extra downtime in the coronavirus lockdown to study for a certificate in English.

But despite the helpful distraction it is a worrying time to be separated from loved ones, especially with Spain being one of the world’s hotspots for Covid-19.

“I call them nearly every day, because back home it’s very tough at the minute,” Gorrin said.

Also read: Oxford United Academy sets players 50 life skills to learn in lockdown

“There’s a lot of cases, so I just try to keep in touch with everybody – thankfully they are all safe and well.

“It’s more difficult there, because you’re not allowed to go out for the hour of exercise every day.

“So I’m all right, I can have a normal day.

“There are a lot of people in the NHS and other key workers who are working really hard and putting their lives at risk to keep a lot of people alive, so I can’t really complain.

“All we need to do is stay at home and not get in the way.”

After doing his morning physical routine like all the United players, Gorrin has other exercises on his mind during the afternoons.

Also read: UEFA clears path for domestic football in June if conditions allow

Determined to use the additional time on his hands productively, the former Sunderland apprentice has started an English course.

He said: “I always had it in my mind that I wanted to get a certificate.

“It’s been so many years that I’ve been speaking English, but I’ve never had anything to show for it.

“I thought this was a great moment to do it, because I’ve got a lot of time.

“I did one when I was young, now I’m doing the more advanced one.

“We’ll see how it goes, but it’s pretty tough.

“I’m one of those people who always tries to look on the positive side. I always try to find something to do.

“One thing I hate is wasting time. I always had this in mind, so why not?

“If I can come out of this with a certificate that would be great.”

Although football has understandably slipped down his priorities, Gorrin is dreaming of life getting back to normal.

He said: “Being in the stadiums playing in front of the fans is probably the thing I’m missing the most, but I think it’s the same for everyone in football.

“Hopefully this situation passes by fast and we can all be back together really soon.”