Returning midfielder Luciano Civelli says Saturday’s brief substitute appearance during the Blues’ 3-0 home victory over Sheffield United was a special moment for him. The Argentinian was back in action for the senior side for the first time in 23 months after suffering a multi-ligament knee injury in March 2009.

Civelli told the club site: "It was a special moment for me to get some minutes back on the pitch with the first team. I think the gaffer was waiting for a chance like against Sheffield to play me and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

"I have been in the squad and training with the first team since the gaffer has been here and now the next step for me is to get into the team.

"I've been fit since September but did not have a place under the old gaffer and his staff. This is a new opportunity for me and it's a good feeling to be involved again."

Civelli says he wasn't sure why he was training with the reserves group under Roy Keane's management: “I was training with the reserves and nobody explained why, nobody told me the reasons.

“It is what professional players want to do to be involved with the first team and it is not just me that it happened to.

“The new manager appreciates me and it’s made such a big difference to me and the squad I think, and I don’t see it as a coincidence that we have won our last three games.

“We all want to play, and we appreciate that it is not possible. But now we know that we have a chance. It has been a positive change to the club and I am happy to come into work.

“My head has always been strong and now I want to play more minutes. Mr Williams, the surgeon in London, did a very good job and so have all the medical staff.”

The 24-year-old, who is contracted until 2012, paid tribute to the backing he has received from Town’s fans, Portman Road giving the former Banfield man a huge ovation when he took to the field in the 89th minute on Saturday: "I would like to thank the crowd. They have supported me since I have been at the club, when I was injured and now when I am back playing again. It is good for me to have that support."

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