Midfielder Jordan Rossiter spoke to the press after returning from a long-term injury in a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Highbury on Tuesday evening.
Rossiter – who sustained an injury to the knee against Tranmere Rovers last November – made his first team comeback with a 45-minute cameo as the sides’ captain in the Papa John’s Trophy triumph.
Here’s what Jordan had to say:
On his return to the pitch…
“It felt amazing to be back out there with the lads, it’s been almost a year to the day that I picked up the injury against Tranmere, it’s been a long time. Obviously coming up to a year now but it feels absolutely brilliant to be back out there with the lads.
“The lads were absolutely brilliant, a lot of young lads played today, and I thought they were all played really well. I was a bit sloppy with my first touch for the first goal which was a little bit disappointing but the lads managed to get the win in the second half and we’re through to the second round.”
On his recovery…
“It's always there but at the same time it’s not because everyone at the club has done everything to a tee, every single person from top to bottom so I know I couldn’t have done any more really.
“Fleetwood have been absolutely superb from the medical department to the fitness coaches to the manager, coaching staff, and the nutritionists. They’ve all been brilliant so I’d just like the thank them for getting me back. I might not have got back without their help.”
On the competition for places…
“That’s what you want, we want to get to where we want to get to at the end of the season, we’re going to have to fight for places.
“Tonight, Sam Finley, Mark Duffy, they’re two top players and I’m coming back and playing alongside them. At the weekend, Glenn Whelan, Callum Camps and Paul Coutts.
“It’s a fantastic midfield we’ve got and I think we’re all going to relish the battle in the next few weeks and as I say it’s all about getting the wins on a Saturday so everyone’s pulling together.
“Everyone is pushing each other every single day in training. You see the young lads doing well at that puts you on your toes. I think as you see every day in training, it’s real high-quality standards and hopefully that continues.”