Monday 17 February 2014 17:07, UK
Fit-again Jermaine Grandison has spoken of his delight after making his first start for Shrewsbury in 10 months.
The Shrewsbury defender completed 90 minutes in Saturday's goalless draw at home to Port Vale - his first starting berth since last April, while he had not played an entire first-team match in over a year. His return comes after a troublesome hip injury which required surgery, with Grandison duly penning a new deal at the Greenhous Meadow in December having initially rejected fresh terms at the end of the last season. But having worked his way back to full fitness with three substitute appearances since the turn of the year, the 23-year-old was pleased to be back in the fold. "My last reserve game was more than two months ago where I played 60 minutes and I haven't had a match since," he told the club's official website. "My fitness level isn't there at the moment but I was happy to get through the 90 minutes against Vale. I did get a bit of cramp in my calf for the last 10 minutes but it felt really good to be out there. I really enjoyed myself and it's good to be back." He added: "The last year has been really stressful for me. I was doing well last season and my hips started playing up. It's been a tough year but to get back on the pitch now is great. "Things didn't help with the contract situation last summer but as soon as I knew I was coming back to the club, I couldn't wait to start working hard and get my fitness back up."
