The MK Dons faithful have long awaited the return to action of Alex Gilbey, and on Tuesday night, they saw the midfielder back on the pitch.
After picking up a knee injury in January, the midfielder missed the remainder of the season, but after putting in the hours in the medical room and the gym, Gilbey has made great progress and he was able to up his rehab on Friday.
The 23-year-old was given 30 minutes during the 0-0 draw against Segunda B outfit Almeria and, speaking to iFollow MK Dons following the final whistle, he couldn't help but hide his joy.
"I'm over the moon" he said. "It felt really good to get on the pitch and I'm now just looking forward to getting more minutes.
"I was nervous because I wasn't sure I would remember how to play, but once you get the ball you get into the swing of things - I enjoyed it."
Gilbey has worked closely alongside the Medical Department during his recovery stages and reserved a special thank you to everyone who has helped him through the tough times.
"When we first we got the bad news, we thought it would be a long time but to be fair we've smashed it. An obvious thanks go to the Physios, Sports Scientists, everyone at the stadium, all the boys and [Joe] Walshy - they've all helped me massively and I'm thankful to be out here playing.
"We've still got a long way to go and there is some grafting in the gym to be done with the Physios and the lads. There isn't long to go and come the start of the season I want to be out there with the boys."
With seven new faces through the door at Stadium MK this summer, Gilbey noted that the football camp in Spain has helped the squad gel.
"It's been a really good week out here and getting to know some of the new lads. We've got great lads here and with the whole squad around each other, it's been a real positive. Now we all want to kick on for the season."
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Watch MK Dons return to Stadium MK action on Tuesday 24th July to take on Ipswich Town in the first of two home pre-season friendlies.
Tickets for the match with the Tractor Boys are priced at £10 adults, £8 seniors and £3 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. In clubRed, tickets are priced at £15 adults, £12 seniors, £5 under-18s and £2 under-12s.
Supporters can buy tickets for both pre-season friendlies (Ipswich Town and Oxford United) in a bundle deal, with prices just £18 adults, £14 seniors and £5 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. The bundle deal prices for clubRed are £25 adults, £20 seniors, £8 under-18s and £3 under-18s.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale right up until kick-off for both games. Please note, the bundle deal is not currently available to buy online. This will be available shortly.
*All under-12s go FREE. A maximum of two under-12s per paying adult.
