Summer signing keen to show what he can do...
JORDAN Cook has spoken of his delight at being back playing after managing 65 minutes of our reserve team fixture against Stoke City on Wednesday afternoon.The 24 year-old was clearly relieved to be back in action.
“It was amazing," he said. "I’ve been out for around eight to ten weeks now; it’s exactly what I wanted, just playing a game.”
Cook was making his first appearance since The Saddlers’ Tour of Devon, where he fractured his ankle in a friendly match against Torquay United.
The 1-1 draw with The Potters at The Scholars Ground presented Cook with the ideal opportunity to get some much-need match fitness having missed the majority of pre-season.
“You can run around all the time in the world, but you get nothing compared to a competitive game,” he admitted. “Every game you play, it’s important to put the performances in. It’s my job and I want to impress.”
Cook enjoyed a brief loan spell with the club back in 2011 and is eager to show the fans how he has developed in the time he has been away.
“As I’ve been injured from the beginning of the season, not many of the fans have seen me play," he added. "But now I think I’m a different player and I think I’m a lot better.
“Our squad is very, very competitive. If I can play any sort of part, as long as the team wins, I’m happy.”
Cook was an unused substitute last weekend and will be pushing for some action on Saturday as we return to home soil with the visit of League leaders, Bristol City (kick-off 3.00pm).
By ALEX DICKEN