Manager Russ Wilcox has welcomed the return of skipper Michael Collins to the football club following his loan spell with AFC Wimbledon.
Collins, who went out to Scunthorpe’s league rivals on February 20, returns to the club having made nine starts in the league in his time in London.His recall was subject to the fitness of both Sean McAllister and Gary McSheffrey, with his professionalism also welcomed back into the building.
Despite under circumstances which the team would have wanted to avoid, the United boss is pleased to have the midfielder back in the dressing room.
“It’s a massive positive,” Wilcox told The Iron Player.
“He’s delighted to be back as well. He’s trained with the lads today (Thursday) and it is a great time to come back.
"I think the loan spell has done him the world of good. I think it was important that we got him some games as he was getting really frustrated and it became difficult for me to get him in the team as they were doing really well.
“He’s gone out and played nine games and I’ve spoken to Neal Ardley after most games really. I also spoke to him yesterday and they’re delighted with him. They said he’s been outstanding.
“It’s bringing quality back into the group, but as well as that, it’s giving me other options.”
He added: “We lose two, but in a way we gain two because Marcus is okay and Mickie Collins comes back into the group.”
Collins returns having played nine League Two fixtures while at the Kingsmeadow Stadium, with the team winning two, drawing four and losing the other three games. He also picked up four yellow cards in his time with the Dons – with Wilcox declaring he is completely up to match fitness.
“He’s massively up to match speed now,” Wilcox continued.
“He’s trained with the group today and looks good. The main thing is that he is pleased to be back, I think that is the pleasing thing.
“We’ve got six games to go and we are pushing at the right end of the table, so what a time to come back into the football club. From the players’ point of view, I’d be excited now.”
He added: “We’re at the business end, with only four weeks left – hopefully – and to be involved in that is an exciting time.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox and Michael Collins on The Iron Player.