Preston North End second-year scholar Alex Wood is hoping to come back stronger after returning from injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Tranmere Rovers.
The 18-year-old had been sidelined for almost two months after suffering a broken arm during a 3-0 win against Wigan Athletic in early September before returning to the starting line-up against Tranmere, featuring for just over an hour in the contest.
And after making a strong start to the campaign before that setback, having started the first five games of the season for Nick Harrison’s youngsters, Wood hopes to build on that form once again.
“I couldn’t wait to get back, I’ve been out for six weeks and it was good to get 60 minutes under my belt today,” the winger told PNE.com. “It was hard conditions to play in with the wind, but we got the draw and we were a bit unlucky to concede the goal.
“We were a bit frustrated and disappointed to draw but in the end, I think it was probably a fair result. It was hard with the conditions but it’s obviously the same for both teams.
“Hopefully we can kick on from this, get a couple of wins in the next few games and get back to the top of the league.”
Having registered four assists in those opening five outings at the start of the campaign, Wood admitted the injury came as a blow but he was pleased to return in a right-back role.
“I was frustrated to be out for six weeks but now I’m aiming to come back stronger and hopefully I can just keep building my arm up.
“I had gone into a tackle, fell over and the opposition player came through and caught my arm, and I knew straight away that I couldn’t carry on playing.
“Unfortunately, I had to come off today because I got a slight knock on it, but it was good to play for about an hour which is good for my fitness.
“I can push on, get crosses into the box and also be an attacking threat from a right-back position which is good, but I also have my defensive duties to do too, so I don’t mind playing there at all.”