Alan Moogan content with bit-part at Bucks

The midfielder put in his first appearance for six months as a 75th-minute substitute during Saturday's 4-2 Skrill Conference North win at Vauxhall Motors.

The 29-year-old injured his groin in the fifth game of the season at Gainsborough Trinity, but stayed active on the sidelines as part of the back-room staff.

He came back during a result that top the Bucks back to the top of the table and, after a six-match unbeaten run, Moogan concedes he needs to be patient.

He said: "When I think that, apart from Saturday, I have only played the first five games of the season, the most important thing is getting myself fit and right.

"The gaffer knows what I can do, I have played under him for a long time and we have won this league before together, so it could come at a good time.

"The reason I haven't been starting games is that we have had some good results of late. If it's not broken, don't fix it and the team have been doing well.

"I have been fit for weeks but, for now, just getting some game time into my legs is good enough for me. I am desperate to play, but I understand why.

"This has been the hardest part, knowing that I am so close to my comeback after such a long time, but it's great to be back in the squad again.

"I have never really spent any time away from the group, as I have been coaching all the way through, apart from my operation and rehab."

Moogan was recalled to the squad by manager Liam Watson for his ball-playing skills, with Motors' lush Rivacre Park pitch in mind, and enjoyed his run-out.

He said: "The gaffer rang me the day before the game and told me I was going to be on the bench, I have been saying for a couple of weeks that I am ready.

"I didn't have enough time to do a great deal, but I managed to put in a couple of tackles to test my groin out early on. That felt good that I was alright.

"I am made up to be able to go back out there and, hopefully, I can get a few more minutes in the games to come."