United striker Matthew Godden has relished his return to pre-season training after spending the majority of last season out on loan in non-league and on the injury sidelines.
The youngster, who signed professional terms with the club at the end of the 2008-09 season, has enjoyed joining back up with the first team squad.
Godden told The Iron Player: “I had a frustrating time last year but I am back where I want to be.
"I never expected myself to be so far in front of my programme. All my hard work over the summer has paid off.
“Obviously I was injured last year and it was difficult spending eight months on the sidelines.
"I was slightly overweight when I returned from the injury so I have spent a lot of time in the gym. I feel fit, I feel strong so I just want to get some game time under my belt.”
Godden was content with his contribution to the team’s performance following the 1-0 victory over FC Halifax Town on Saturday.
“I would have liked to have got on the scoresheet," he said
"But I came on more as an attacking midfielder role so that is what I did.
"Pre-season is more about getting wins under your belt and the momentum to push forward for the new season."
He admitted that the Iron still need to make improvements ahead of the upcoming season if they want to compete at the higher end of League One.
“I think we all know that we have just got to continue to work hard during training and on our passing," he insisted.
"We just need to start threatening teams when we get into that final third.”
After signing his first professional contract with the Iron, Godden was sent on loan to Brigg Town for three months, which saw him score nine times in 20 appearances.
Later the same season, Godden joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston Town on loan and he admits that going out and playing non-league football was one of the best decisions of his career.
“I went out on loan during my first season as a professional to Brigg and Ilkeston Town and to be honest that was one of the best things I have ever done.
"Nigel Adkins told me that I needed to get out and play some games so that is what happened.”
After he was involved in the Iron’s pre season tour of 2009-10 Godden spent much of his time maturing, enabling him to become a better player ahead of his break into the first team.
He made his first team debut in September 2010 as a second half substitute for Chris Dagnall in the Carling Cup tie against Manchester United.
Godden is relishing the opportunity of the United select XI returning to Glanford Park this Friday and he is hoping he can play some part in the match.
“It was great to make my debut against them and I am looking forward to the game on Friday," he said.
"We will just have to see what sort of team they will bring and take things from there.
“I am hoping to play a big part in the game on Wednesday night against Winterton and again on Friday so that I can continue to strengthen my fitness.”
Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season with a hip injury, Godden was sent out on loan once again to Gainsborough Trinity, however he did not feature as often as he would have liked.
“I told the manager (former Iron midfielder Steve Housham) at Gainsborough that I had been injured for eight months and only been back in training a week when I joined them, so I didn’t want to dive straight back into first team action when I was not 100% fit.
“The gaffer agreed with me and he eased my gently back into playing.”