Walsall's Joe Edwards upping recovery at St George's Park

The 27-year-old injured his anterior cruciate knee ligament against Blackburn in February.

That injury has ruled him out of the start of the 2018/19 campaign with the midfielder expected to return in November.

“I’m pleased with how my knee is going,” Edwards said. “As part of the PFA scheme, you can get treatment at St George’s Park.

“I did an assessment to see where I am and what I need to work on.

“Then over three days I did CV (cardiovascular) work, where you get to use their facilities. There’s an altitude chamber where you are on a watt bike working at a high altitude with a lack of oxygen.

“They turned the heat up as well so you’re in 39 degree heat. I was absolutely blowing but it’s really good for your fitness.

“Because I can’t run fully yet at my bodyweight, they put you at different percentages of your body – so I was working at 40-50 per cent of my bodyweight.

“They’ve even got an underwater treadmill where they see your running patterns and things like that.

“It’s fantastic. It’s where England train, it’s got everything you need and I’m lucky to be able to use the facilities to help me come back as strong as possible.”

Edwards will spend more time at St George’s Park in August – but he’s admits he is itching to get back playing.

“It has been a frustrating time,” he added.

“The off-season wasn’t as bad because all the boys were off on holiday and there were no games going on.

“Seeing the boys in training and going to play pre-season games, it’s hard.

“It’s probably the hardest time I’ve had. But being around friends and family, and getting the support I’ve had from the fans, it really helps.

“I’m being positive in myself and I keep working hard to achieve what I want to achieve.”