Delighted to be back - that was the view of Dave Edwards as he returned to the squad and came off the bench in the closing stages of Tuesday's win at MK Dons.
It was only a three minute appearance, but for Edwards a very welcome three minutes as he looks to make impact with Wolves and hopefully secure a place in the Wales squad for the summer’s European Championships.
“It felt really good to be back out there,” he said.
“It was unexpected to be back again and involved but I had come through a week of training and felt really good.
“I had a scan on Monday just to make sure the surgeon was happy with everything and he was delighted with the progress.
“He said that from the scan it looked like I was a lot further along from the ten weeks that I am and that it looked more like a 14-16 week scan.
“That was good news and gave me some confidence and it was great to be back out there after what has seemed like a long time!
“A lot of the thanks has to go to the medical team.
“The programme was put in place and I have had treatment off all of them at some time.
“The sports science guys have also contributed to keep me in tip top condition so that my fitness was still good and that I was ready to go straight back in.
“It has been pretty smooth so far and hopefully will continue like that.
“It has taken mental strength to come through and particularly on the nutrition side, to keep to a strict diet.
“I did a lot of research and spoke to the club nutritionist to make sure that I was putting the right things in my body to give myself the best chance of recovery and I think that has played a part.
“I was hoping to get back for the last three or four games but to get back with seven to go is great for me personally.
“Hopefully I can get some more minutes under my belt in the coming weeks then I will be in good shape.
“I have to try and force myself into the team and if I can play some games before the end of the season and do well it will hopefully stand me in good stead for selection for the summer.
“There have been some good performances from some of the Welsh lads who have come in for the last few games so it is going to be tough to get into the squad.
“But I am confident that if I can get some minutes then I can be a good addition to the squad.”
Edwards was also hugely appreciative of the ovation received from the travelling supporters as he came off the bench, and their support in general during his recovery.
“It was a nice reception when I came back on which I really appreciated and I have had so much great support from fans during my recovery,” he said.
“That has helped spur me along and keep up the motivation to get back.”
The midfielder was pleased to look on from the bench and see Wolves produce a stirring second half comeback to see off MK Dons.
And he says the main focus now is on producing an encouraging end to the season.
“It seemed a bit flat in the first half but the lads did really well in the second,” he says.
“I thought Alfie came on and helped change the game – he gave us the extra legs in behind and stretched them more.
“And it was great for Sav to get a goal and then Pricey as well!
“We don’t want an end of season feel where it looks like we haven’t got a lot to play for.
“It is important we finish the season strongly and take some momentum into next season.
“We have had a tough season with injuries and have now lost Michal as well but hopefully we can finish well and start looking to a positive start next time.”
