Joe Edwards targets a Walsall start

The midfielder has endured a long nine months on the sidelines after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee back in February.

But Edwards returned to action at the start of December when he featured in Walsall’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Shrewsbury.

And the 28-year-old then had a first taste of league action on Boxing Day when he played for 30 minutes against Bristol Rovers.

Now, though, he is targeting a first start – potentially when the Saddlers host an in-form Luton side today.

“The 30 minutes against Bristol Rovers were massive for me,” Edwards said. “It’s a step closer to starting. It’s been a long road, nine months of hard work and the gaffer has been patient with me the last couple of weeks. But he felt I was ready to come on against Bristol Rovers.

“I am chomping at the bit to get that start. I have worked really hard to get to this stage.

“And now I am at the final bit which is the enjoyable bit, playing football. That is what I love.

“If I can get back starting as quickly as possible it will give me a massive lift.

“And hopefully I can put the performances in that will give the team some extra energy.”

Despite missing the last three months of the 2016/17 campaign, Edwards was still crowned Walsall’s player of the year.

And with the Saddlers’ form have been mixed over the past few months, the midfielder is eager to get back to his best.

“For me it’s just great to be able to help the team,” he added.

“I’ve been trying to help as much as I can off the pitch.

“But there is a chance for me to come back onto the pitch now and hopefully give the boys a lift and the fans a lift.

“I just want to get back out there and get back to where I was last season.

“If I can increase the performances by five per cent all round that will be fantastic.”