The defender came through the full 90 minutes unscathed for the Under-21s against Derby County on Monday night
David Wheater made his return from injury for Wanderers’ Under-21s against Derby County earlier this week, in front of the watching Neil Lennon, having not played since the end of August because of a back injury.
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after the match at Alfreton Town’s Impact Arena, the defender expressed his delight at returning to action.
“It’s good to be back, it’s been quite hard being out,” said Wheater. “Obviously with it being my back I couldn’t do any anything on a bike or any running or swimming so it has been hard to get any fitness but I’ve had two good training sessions and now 90 minutes for the Under-21s.
“It felt good. Everything went alright. I was bit achy in the legs afterwards which is to be expected, but apart from that I’m fine.”
Having seen Lennon praise the talents of some of his younger players in recent weeks, Wheater echoed his manger’s views having been granted a closer look at a number of them in action.
“I’ve known for a while that we’ve got top young players here,” said the 27-year-old. “They just need to be given a chance in the first team to prove themselves and I think with the gaffer here that is exactly what they’re going to get.
“It’s good playing these games at his level but it’s all preparation for the first team. This is where these lads want to be and I think they have got the talent to get there.”
Wheater was also full of praise for his new manager and the impact Lennon has had since arriving at Macron Stadium.
“The new gaffer has been tremendous since he came in,” Wheater said.“He has really lifted the place and everyone is now going around with a smile on their face.
“It was nice to get 90 minutes in front of him and hopefully I impressed. Friday will probably come too soon for me but hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m in and around the first squad again, and hopefully I can get back in the team as soon as I can.”