Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey insists he will not rush his return from a broken leg.
The 19-year-old, who sustained a compound fracture of his right leg in February, managed 45 minutes for the Gunners’ second string earlier this week.
And having waited so long to play again, Ramsey is not getting carried away with thoughts of a swift return to first-team action.
The Wales international told Arsenal TV Online: “I have been waiting for this a long time, and I couldn’t wait to get out onto the pitch.
“Obviously it is great to be back playing my first game and I felt it went quite well.
“I was blowing a bit after about 20 minutes, so I have got some work to do in that department, but I feel very good about myself.”
He continued: “The only way you can get match fitness is by playing games. In training, I felt I was as fit as all the rest, but out there proved I was a bit behind.
“That is to be expected and the more games I play, the more match fit I am going to get.
“After you have been out for nine months, your muscles are still adapting to the hard training and games, so for some players they can get injuries which set them back for a few weeks, but hopefully I can stay injury free.
“I have another few reserve games planned, with 60 minutes and then a full game – then I can try to fight for my place again.
“I am not going to jump back in, it is going to take a bit of time. But as soon as I feel I am match fit, I am going to try to get back into the starting XI.”