Fit again Gwion Edwards believes Crawley Town can challenge for promotion

His performances saw him called up to join the full Wales squad for their European Championships qualifiers in October 2014 he was called into the Wales senior squad for the Euro-2016 qualifiers.

Edwards said: “Obviously with my hernia op at Christmas time I came back playing within three weeks when I wasn’t fully recovered.

“We didn’t have much of a squad, we were struggling so I had to.

“Especially with the groin area as well, it’s hard to sprint, kick the ball or do anything. It was hard playing 90 minutes each week coming back from an injury.

“I’m rested, fully fit and ready to go. I tried my best when I was injured, but it got the better of me.

“Over the summer I completely rested for three weeks, I’m naturally fit anyway and then I did a few runs and a few gym sessions. We were then doing double sessions in pre-season.”

Edwards was brought into the club in March 2014 by previous manager John Gregory on loan from Swansea City where he was part of their academy.

He stayed until the end of that season and then was rewarded with a two-year contract having been bought from the Swans for an indisclosed fee.

Edwards has enjoyed working under new manager Mark Yates.

He said: “Every manager has been different but the training has been really good. All the boys are enjoying it so far and I think it showed today with a good performance from everyone.

“It was difficult playing in the heat. Up and down in hot weather is really hard. We kept our shape really well I thought.

“Coming away from home is always difficult, it was good to get a point. You can’t go out and press. You have to work on areas you can go to. We worked on it in training and did really well today.”

Edwards is looking to put the frustration of relegation last season behind him and reckons Reds can go straight back up at the first attempt.

He said: “It was disappointing coming down. If everyone gives 100 percent and we get a few away wins, and be solid at home then we can do well.

“Everyone at the club wants to get back up there (into League One) and if take every game as it comes and we play like that, I think we can be right up there.

“Last year we had a brand new squad and this year we have half a new squad and we’ve looked good.

“We’ve looked good in pre-season games, had a good shape and obviously we have showed we can get goals.

“As a winger you are looking to set goals up, get into the box and hopefully as a bonus score some goals as well.

“I’m going to be looking to stay fit all season and score some goals. I scored five goals in nine matches last season before my injury.

“Today as I went up to header it I got an elbow in the eye. Jimmy (Smith) flicked it on to my head and I got to the back post and put it in.

“As a winger you want to into the box get to the back post, get in front of goal as well so I think I did my job today.”

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