Derby County midfielder Louie Sibley was 'buzzing' to be back in the starting line-up for Tuesday night's EFL Trophy Group Stage opener against Lincoln City following his injury-hit start to the 2023/24 season.
Sibley marked his return with a goal in the 2-0 win at Pride Park Stadium, finishing off a superb move after being set up by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to follow-up Tom Barkhuizen's opener early in the second half.
Speaking to RamsTV after the win, the Academy graduate gave his verdict on the cup clash.
On being back on the pitch after his injury...
It was great to be back out there. It was frustrating being out for so long but it felt good to be back and the lads put in a great performance. We knew before the game it was all about mindset and hopefully we can do the same on Saturday at Carlisle.
It has been frustrating missing quite a few matches since I got injured in pre-season but tonight was a chance to get minutes in the legs. For me it was great and it was a solid all-round performance from the team.
On it being stop-start for him in the last few weeks...
I've been very lucky with injuries in the past so to miss five or six weeks has been tough. It's been frustrating but you've got to keep fit in the gym and when you get a chance like tonight, you've got to prove yourself. The legs are a little bit heavy now but it's good to be back.
On his goal to round off the night...
Conor Washington came on and it was great work from him and Nat with the great flick. I knew once I had the touch past the defender I was in on goal, so it was nice to score. Hopefully I can keep adding to my tally as we keep moving forward.
On nailing down a place in midfield...
I feel like that's where you get the best out of me, so hopefully this season I can play there. Consistency is the key so hopefully I can be consistent. Wherever I'm playing I'll always give my all. Playing in midfield is where I love to be and consistency is so important.
