'How I used my time out to develop'

It has been a long road to recovery for Danny Welbeck, but we are already reaping the rewards from his return.

The England forward made his first start since he was sidelined with a knee injury last May, scoring twice and setting up our third as we beat Southampton 5-0 in the Emirates FA Cup.

Now back to full fitness, Welbeck is in contention to start against Watford on Tuesday, but says the long days on the sidelines helped him develop a wider understanding of the game.

"There’s still a lot you can learn through football and I used my time widely to develop my understanding of the whole game"

Danny Welbeck

“It’s still another step to come back to competitive football,” he told the matchday programme. “Training prepares you in the best way to get back into competitive games. It’s not quite the same because the intensity of the Premier League and first-team games is much higher than a lot of other leagues around the world.

“You’ve got to make sure you train as hard as you can to give yourself the best opportunity once you get into a competitive game. It makes sure that you’re at the best level you can be.

“It’s different for every single player who’s gone through a long-term injury. Some may find it a bit harder than others. Obviously age plays a factor in that as well.

“I think how you’ve handled yourself mentally throughout the whole process plays a part, too. Even though you’re out injured, there’s still a lot you can learn through football and I used my time widely to develop my understanding of the whole game.

“The most important thing for me at the moment is just to get my consistency in training, get minutes under my belt in first-team matches and then I can see from there. Right now I’m just enjoying playing, enjoying training, so hopefully I can get back on the pitch and help us win some more games.”

Read the full interview with Welbeck in the official #AFCvWFC programme, or download the FREE iOS or Android app