Club captain Tom Clarke is relishing being back on the football pitch every week following his lengthy period on the sidelines.
PNE’S No.5 has scored twice since his return to action in late November, and the 30-year-old admits the past month has been an important one.
Speaking to iFollow PNE, Clarke said:
“It’s a period where I’ve played a few games now, trained a lot and I’m getting more comfortable and getting more used to putting the games in.
“It’s been hard with the game loads, it’s been quite intense, but I’ve tried to do as much as I can. When the games are Saturday-Saturday I can get in the gym and get the strength work done and get the mobility back into it, I’m feeling good.
“We’ve got new signings coming in, they can bed in well with training after a week with us and get used to what we’re about."
Clarke, who is in his fifth season with the club, reflects on the Lilywhites’ point at The Den last weekend – a game that saw him return to the centre of defence.
“I knew I’d sort of have to bide my time, with the lads in there and the team doing well,” he said. “For me, it was just about keeping fit and taking that chance when it came.
"Obviously, it came at right back initially with the injuries, but I’m just happy to help and be in team, to be playing, and now my opportunity at centre half has come about I’m pleased I’m in there.”
“We knew that Millwall was going to be a difficult game, at home they haven’t lost many.
“Second half we made forward runs, got the goal, and probably could’ve gone on to win it near the end. We got the point and now we move on to what is going to be a tough game against Birmingham."
Watch the full interview with Tom on iFollow PNE now by clicking on the video above.