Battling Aaron Wildig on the comeback trail for Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town midfielder Aaron Wildig hopes a series of niggling injuries are now behind him as he looks to force his way back into the first team.
The 22-year-old former Cardiff star was placed on the loan list by manager Micky Mellon having failed to make a first-team appearance all season.
But last week the boss revealed he had been impressed with Wildig's performances and attitude in training as he fights for his future.
And after an impressive performance for Town's development side against Port Vale on Tuesday, Wildig is pleased to hear the manager is saying positive things about him.
He said: "It's been difficult for me. I have had so many niggles, whether is been my ankle or my back and then I got ill.
"I just need to stay fit because at times against Port Vale I thought I did well so I need to continue that and force my way into the team.
"If the gaffer thinks I have done well in training then I guess I have, as it's his opinion that matters.
"As long as he thinks I am doing well then hopefully I am getting closer to the team."
A mixture of first team and youth players put in a spirited performance against Vale on Tuesday afternoon before losing 3-1 thanks to an Achille Campion hat-trick.
For Wildig, it was vital just to be playing.
He said: "I am training at 100 per cent but I am not match fit because I haven't played games.
"The only way to get that sharpness back is by playing so it was good for me to get 90 minutes under my belt.
"But it's not easy playing reserve football. It's a mixed team and you never quite know what you are going to get."
Wildig believes Mellon's 3-5-2 formation gives him a better chance of playing.
"There is more chance of me playing with three in the middle," he said.
"Hopefully it's a system that would suit me and gives me more of a chance."