Midfielder Teddy Bishop has admitted that he was worried that his injury problems might have forced him to miss the whole of 2015/16 before making his return as an 82nd minute sub during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Charlton.
The 19-year-old has endured a frustrating injury-hit season, after an impressive first senior campaign during 2014/15.
"It was tough for me because I’d be thinking ‘I’m nearly back’ then I was back out again but this time I feel positive, I feel strong and hopefully that is the end of it now,” he said in an interview with Saturday’s match programme.
"There were a few times where I thought I wouldn’t play this season and I should just look to next season but the physios are good at reminding you that if you do your rehab then you never know.
"The gaffer has been really sensible with me. I think he’s going to ease me in because the last thing I need now is to start a game and feel something after half an hour.
"Hopefully I can have a few more substitute appearances and if they are going well I can get a start before the end of the season.”
Speaking earlier in the week, manager Mick McCarthy said the long spell out had been tough on the academy product and that he's been a big loss to the team.
"He’s come back and he looks great in training," McCarthy said. "I’ve been really pleased with him. You just see the quality that he has. He’s an outstanding young footballer and we’ve missed him this season.”