Imps captain Liam Bridcutt returned to action on Tuesday night coming on as a late substitute in City’s 5-0 win over Bradford City in the Carabao Cup Second Round.
The midfielder is pleased to be back involved following a period side lined through injury: “It has been a long wait for games and when I got injured it was frustrating, it was tough to take.
“I don’t think you can get match ready with just training, you need to be in the action for that. It is a case for me to get as many minutes as I can, I feel strong and fit so I’m looking forward to getting going again.
“I’m excited to get back with the lads and have some minutes under my belt. I’m like a little kid, the older I’ve got, the worse I’ve become because I’m itching to play. The manager knew I was there if I was needed on Tuesday and I’m happy to have got some minutes.”
During the Imps skipper’s time out, City's number 10 Jorge Grant filled in as Captain, taking the armband for the Imps’ opening games.
Liam praised his teammate saying: “I have known Jorge (Grant) for a few years now and in terms of his character and the way he plays, he is maturing, and it is nice to see.
"He is adding things to his game every season, and under the manager Jorge has grown as a person and a player.”
Bridcutt went on to speak about the new arrivals at LNER Stadium, explaining how there is a really good atmosphere around the training ground.
“We have a really good balance in the squad, the manager has done a brilliant job in bringing the right players in.
“Since day one, the lads have brought into the philosophy of the manager. They are young lads who are willing to learn, they will have good careers here and, in the future.
“We are a good honest group, and everyone has jelled, the boys who were here before the window have welcomed everyone.
“We have a lot of momentum going forward, but we won’t get carried away, we will keep a level head. I have been in this situation before in my career so I will play a big role in letting the lads know what our standard is, we want to maintain it.”
Liam finished by looking forward to the upcoming fixtures. The Imps captain also commented on the mentality City have shown in the opening games.
“Our concentration and mentality has been excellent so we need to keep that up, when the fans come back that will only give us an extra boost.
“Thursday isn’t a big game for us, Saturday is a bigger game. Thursday is a treat for the lads because some lads haven’t played against Premier League opposition so we will go into the occasion to learn and test ourselves against the best players in the world.
“But tomorrow’s match is the important one in our minds.”