Jordan Cook can't wait for Walsall return

The 24-year-old forward played 65 minutes in a reserve fixture with Stoke City on Wednesday – his first action since suffering a hairline fracture of his right ankle in a pre-season friendly at Torquay more than 10 weeks ago.

Cook, who signed a two-year deal at the Banks's in the summer after leaving Charlton, is now eager to make up for lost time and quickly break into Dean Smith's first-team.

He said: "I have been feeling good and running for a few weeks. I have just been waiting for the go ahead from the specialist that I could start training.

"He is over the moon with the way things have turned out. Now it is down to me. I am so hungry to get out there and get some minutes.

"In a way it was one of the best times to get an injury in pre-season so you don't miss too much of the season.

"I obviously wish it had never happened but everything happens for a reason and I'm just glad I'm back, feeling fit and everything is fine. I just can't wait to start playing."

Cook, who spent a spell on loan with the Saddlers in 2011, knows he faces a fight for a place on a forward line which has begun to fire in recent weeks. But it is a challenge he relishes.

"I think it is brilliant that when you look at our squad now it is strong in depth, particularly for a League One team," he said.

"Every position has two or three people fighting for it and that is what you want.

"I think (players coming back from injury) is a boost for everyone, not just for the gaffer and the coaching staff but for the rest of the players because it gives you that bit more competitiveness in training.

"The quality in training is so good at the moment and everyone is at it, because they know their place is up for grabs and you have to do well to keep your place."

The Saddlers reserves were denied a victory in their clash with Stoke at Chasetown FC Scholars Ground, when Tomi Adeloye's stoppage time strike for the visitors cancelled out Liam Kinsella's opener.