Matt Briggs is looking to make up for lost time, after a difficult year dogged by injuries and personal problems.

Briggs played only his second full 90 minutes of first-team football in 12 months, during last weekend’s battling 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

The 25-year-old was not expecting to return to the senior fold quite so quickly, having only returned to first-team training a couple of weeks previously, and having not even been involved in the squad at all before last Saturday.

Briggs was given the nod, due to an injury to fellow left-sided specialist Brennan Dickenson, and it is likely to be very competitive between these two for the left wing-back role over the weeks to come.

“I’ve had a few ups and downs,” admitted Briggs, who is hoping to keep his place at home to Barnet this Saturday.

He continued: “I had the operation (hip), which was successful, but I had a few issues with my back and stuff, and I had to have some injections done.

“But after that, everything has gone smoothly. I had got a few under-23 games under my belt and now I’m fit enough to play for the first team again.

“However, it was a bit of a shock to be back so soon, because I had only back training with the first team for two weeks.

“Brennan (Dickenson) then took a knock in training on Thursday, so I had an idea that I might be involved, especially after his fitness test on the Friday.

“I’ve got myself ready, and I’d rather have gone straight back in than be frustrated on the bench.

“Hopefully, this is the start of a few games for me,” added Briggs

Last weekend was Briggs’ 45th appearance for the U’s, since his switch from Millwall at the start of 2015. He had previously spent eight years at Fulham.

In addition to injury, he has also had to deal with the complications surrounding the premature birth of his son.

“You have to prioritise, and obviously family does come first,” revealed Briggs.

“That is a hard thing to go through, and I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.

“I had to do what I had to do, I had to be there for my missus, but obviously she has since helped me through my injury. I want to push on now,” added Briggs.