England right-back Kyle Walker hopes his long spell out of the game will make him a more mature player.
The England right-back had been with an abdominal injury since March, but he made his comeback for Tottenham’s Under-21s in their 2-1 win over Manchester City on Monday night, playing 67 minutes before making way for England U17s international Kyle Walker-Peters.
And he revealed his delight at being back in the thick of the action.
Kyle Walker factfile
DOB: 28/05/1990
England caps: 10
England goals: 0
Debut: v Spain, 12/11/2011
Walker told Tottenham’s official website: “I feel good. I still need to work on the sharpness of my game but that will come with matches and training with the first team.
“I’m just glad to be back. It’s been a long time and I want to say a big thank you to the medical staff and the people around me who have helped me through it.”
He continued: “I started playing regularly in 2011 and in the first three years I racked up a lot of games.
“Perhaps it was good to have to sit back and reflect not just on my game but things around me.
“For a start, I’ve watched more football. I’ve been studying the game a lot.
“It’s been a big learning curve but hopefully I’ll come back more mature and with a wiser head on my shoulders.”
