Josh Sheehan is delighted to be back in business and eager to help Wanderers’ build on their impressive start to the season.
Sheehan completed his first 90 minutes since returning from a lengthy injury absence to help the Whites secure a point from their 2-2 draw at Tranmere Rovers in the Papa Johns Trophy.
That followed a 60-minute run-out in Wanderers’ opening group game win over Crewe in August as the midfielder ended a ninth-month spell on the sidelines following knee surgery.
And Sheehan looked full of running as the Whites came from 2-0 down at Prenton Park before he coolly converted his penalty in the shoot-out Tranmere won to claim the bonus point on offer.
“I’ve been itching to play again since playing that game (against Crewe),” said the Welshman.
“It’s been a long time coming playing the games and that’s what my focus has been on through the whole injury – getting back to playing and stepping on the pitch in front of our fans and performing.
“I feel like it’s behind me. Each game gets better and better with confidence in yourself and getting back to normal.
“When you step onto the pitch you forget you’ve been out for however long. I feel really good.”
Four points from their opening two games in Group B of the Papa Johns Trophy means a home victory over Leeds United’s U21s next month will take Wanderers into the knock-out phase.
Sheehan is targeting further progress to keep the games coming and is also eyeing a return to League One duty to further increase manager Ian Evatt’s enviable midfield options.
The former Newport County play-maker was a regular at the start of last season and is ready to re-join a squad that goes into this weekend’s international break sitting fifth in the table after taking 17 points from their first nine games.
“We’ve probably got two for every position really, who are strong enough to compete in the league,” Sheehan added.
“It’s a very strong squad which I feel will only benefit us because you’re going to get injuries eventually and we have players who are more than good enough to step in.
“Having missed a lot of the back end of last season I want to help out this team.
“And how well they’ve done this year I want to help get to the goal we set at the start of the season. We’re on our way.”