Josh Sheehan admits victory over Derby County was an ideal way to cap a big week following news of his return to the international fold.
Sheehan received his first call-up for two years when he was named in the Wales’ squad to face South Korea in a friendly on Thursday and then Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifier on 11th September.
The midfielder’s impressive early-season form has put him in the frame to potentially win a fourth full cap after he helped Wanderers go into the international break on the back of an excellent 2-1 win over Derby on Saturday.
“It was a perfect end to the week,” said Sheehan, who was a key cog in the Wanderers’ performance and earned the penalty that saw Ian Evatt’s men cancel out a spot-kick for the Rams.
“I think that’s exactly what we needed going into the break. It’s a long time until the next (league) game and we knew if we won this one it puts us in good stead.
“Obviously, the results in the previous weeks were hurtful for us and we know it hurt the fans, so we knew coming into this game against big rivals as well, a big club and a big crowd, people probably questioned us whether we could handle it.
“Hopefully we showed from minute one when we’re up for it I don’t think many teams in this league can match us. When we start so well, we get the crowd behind us. We can feel them and I think that lifts us even more.
“It was electric from minute-one and it’s up us to make sure when it is like that we take our chances and then I’m sure the opposition will back-pedal even more.”
With Wanderers now second in the League One table after a second-half winner against the Rams secured a first victory in three league games, following defeat to Wigan and a draw at Burton, Sheehan can now turn his attention to Wales.
The 28-year-old linked up with Robert Page’s squad yesterday (Sunday) to begin preparations for the Dragons' doubler-header, with his selection following a return to top form and fitness following almost 11 months out of EFL action with a knee injury.
“All the hard work I put in when I was injured, behind the scenes which you don’t see so much, all leads up to Saturdays and playing in front of our fans and playing well,” Sheehan added.
“It means everything. Growing up, I watched Wales playing and it’s a dream to play for them. Hopefully this week I get to pull on that shirt.”
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