Wayne Henderson was a very happy man after returning to action at Deepdale for the first time in 23 months - and even more so that he was given something to do!

In a pre-arranged move, Hendo and Andy Lonergan played 45 minutes each, with the man wearing his squad number of 22 called into action immediately after coming on at the break as he 'made himself big' to keep Matthew Etherington's shot out of the net, later keeping himself busy with Stoke looking to claw their way back into the game.

"It feels amazing to be back out there again," he told pne.com after the game. "Though it's not an official game, that's the first time I've run out at Deepdale for nearly two years. I've just got to say thanks to the manager for keeping his faith with me.

"We knew before the game that we were going to play half each. To come back and have a little bit to do against a decent Premier League side was really exciting for me and I couldn't wait to get out there. It's been so long since I last played for Preston that this has been a really exciting day for me.

"There were no nerves though - I don't get nervous any more! I just get excited because I've been working so hard for so long. It's a real bonus to be playing games again.

"Obviously Lonners made a fantastic save in the first half from the penalty but he didn't get an awful lot to do, so I wasn't sure what I was going to end up having to do in the second half!

"The lads were playing some unbelievable stuff while Stoke were playing to their strengths, and I ended up with a fair bit to do, but just to be a part of it again is the main thing."

Henderson was thrilled by the reaction he received from the supporters enjoying the Deepdale sunshine, and hopes he'll be appearing in front of them again very soon, explaining:

"It was nice to get the reception I did. I've always had a good relationship with the fans here and I'm just so sad that I haven't been able to go out there and repay them more. ILonners has been first class for the last two years so 'm just going to have to be patient and take the opportunity with both hands when it comes to prove that I'm the right man for the job.

"I don't know yet whether I'll be involved in the game on Tuesday night - it's around this time that the gaffer will want to start playing with his full strength side, so maybe I'll get a few more minutes on Tuesday and Lonners might end up playing the full game at Hibs - we'll have to wait and see. I'm just delighted to be back - to play for this manager and this Club is a real honour for me."

With injury having blighted him for so long, the man from Carbra in Dublin is delighted to report that the back trouble is becoming a distant memory, concluding:

"There are no problems with my injury now - it's just a case of managing it and doing the right things. I did a couple of things in Austria that probably weren't quite right for my back but that's just because I've been trying to prove to everyone that I'm back, I'm ready, and I'm raring to go. I probably got a bit carried away, but that's just in my nature!"