CENTRAL defender, Stephen Roberts played his first full game for the club since November on Tuesday evening as he replaced injured skipper, Mark Hughes.

The 29 year-old was laid low with a combination of an ankle injury and a niggling back problem, but is now ahead of schedule and hoping to figure against Southend United on Saturday. "It was so frustrating," said the Welsh International. "I was just desperate to get back playing again. I'd worked hard to overcome the knee problem, then just as I was starting to think about challenging for my place back in the team, I did my back.

"The only thing for me to do was knuckle down, listen to what I was being told by the medical staff and be positive.

"I put the effort in and have been rewarded by being ahead of schedule. To figure in the pre-season games was a big thing for me and then to get 90 minutes under my belt at Accrington was another positive step forward.

"I just want to make sure everything is right, be sensible and play as many games as I can."

The full interview will appear in Tuesday evening's Matchday Programme against Leeds United. Supporters will be pleased to hear that we have managed to peg the cover price back to £2.50. Copies will be on sale from the usual outlets both inside and outside the ground.