Liam Walsh delighted to get first minutes under his belt on injury return

Liam Walsh was thrilled to get his first minutes under his belt following a serious Achilles injury, and has his sights set on being part of Swansea City’s Championship run-in.

The 25-year-old midfielder ruptured his Achilles in Swansea’s first pre-season friendly against Haverfordwest County in July.

It was a cruel blow for the former Everton and Bristol City playmaker, who had impressed head coach Russell Martin and his staff in the opening weeks of preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.

But he and the club’s medical and conditioning staff have worked diligently in the intervening period, and he has returned ahead of schedule.

Walsh got 30 minutes under his belt in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Newport County at Fairwood at the end of last week, in which Morgan Whittaker also featured.

And there was no hiding his delight at being back out on the field.

“I am over the moon to be back out there, it’s been about six-and-a-half months since the injury, so it’s felt like a properly long time to get to this point,” said Walsh.

“But this last but, being out on the pitch with (head of rehabilitation) Rhys (Owen) has just flown and everything has gone so well.

“I have to thank the coaching staff and the medical staff who have helped me, there have been a few down days along the way, but now I am back I am really happy.

“When I initially did the injury I was devastated, but I have put as much effort as possible in during this time to try and get myself in the best shape possible to return.

“All the physios and the strength and conditioning coaches like Rhys, Matt (Willmott) and Beth (Chaddock) have been brilliant.

“Being out there felt good, and it’s about getting back to full fitness now. I think the plan is to get some minutes with the under-21s.

“I want to get out with the lads in the first team as soon as possible, there are four months left in the season and it is the most exciting part of the season where there is plenty to play for.”