Nathan Wood and Kristian Pedersen eye first-team action after injury returns

Nathan Wood and Kristian Pedersen are eager to put their injury frustrations behind them and get back out on the field for Swansea City over the festive period.

The defenders returned from ankle injuries in Swansea City Under-21s’ Professional Development League draw against Queens Park Rangers, with Wood playing just over 70 minutes and Pedersen getting an hour under his belt.

Mykola Kuharevich and Nathan Broome also featured as they build up their fitness after injuries.

Wood has been sidelined since the win over Sheffield Wednesday in September, while Pedersen has been out for five weeks.

The pair were happy to come through their runout, and now have their sights set on getting back to first-team action.

“It has not been an easy time, but these things are set to test you and I’ve worked really hard to try and be in a position to come back and be a better player,” said Wood.

“I felt good out there, I felt sharp, although I know there are still things for me to work on to be 100 per cent, but they will come as I get back to playing with the first team.

“You cannot really replicate everything you experience at Championship level, some of that will come by getting more games under my belt.

“It’s been the first real injury lay-off in my career since breaking into senior football, so it has been hard, but you work hard to stay consistent. There are times you don’t see as much progress as you want, but if you keep working hard with the staff those improvements come.

“I am grateful for all the work the club and the staff have done for me, it has been hard not being involved on a Saturday, but with a lot of games coming up quickly I will do whatever I can to get back out there.

“I feel ready, I will do whatever I can. It’s about being patient and being ready to take the opportunity.”

For Pedersen, the sense of frustration has been added to by the fact he was seeking to make an impression after his summer move from FC Cologne.

“I feel good, it was good to be back,” said Pedersen.

“I needed some minutes in my legs, it has been a tough time being out for these last few weeks.

“It is not easy when you come to a new club and you have injuries, because you want to show what you can do.

“I hope I can have a good run and get the chance to play some games and help the team.

“I will do everything I can to be fit, and if the coach needs me then I will be ready. There are a lot of games coming up.”