EVER ready Andy Woodward was well prepared for his return to the first team - even if it was a long time in coming. The solid defender, who didn't figure in the first team squad for 13 months, knew exactly what was expected of him when he was thrust into the heart of the defence at just 90 minutes notice in last week's 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury.

"It takes a little time to get used to playing three at the back," he said.

"But I've been watching the lads closely in every game so I knew how we play it.

"It's a different game to when you play two centre halves and it took me 10 minutes or so to settle in. Once I got used to it I felt more comfortable and felt I did okay for the rest of the game."

Woodward had become the forgotten man of Gigg Lane during his prolonged absence during which he suffered repeated illness and injury problems. His appearance on the substitutes' bench in the recent away victory at Wycombe Wanderers was the first time he had donned a first team shirt since the opening day of last season.

After another couple of games on the bench, Woodward finally found himself plunged back into the starting line-up at Gay Meadow.

It was a day to remember for the man who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Monday - and made even more memorable by the fact that it was his first game for the Shakers in the central defensive position he occupied right through his formative years at Crewe Alexandra.

"I wouldn't say it was my best position, but it's certainly the one that I've played most throughout my career," he explained.

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