WARRINGTON Town midfielder Danny Ventre admits he is relieved to be bringing his injury nightmare to an end.

The 30-year-old returned from the sidelines during a 3-0 victory over Frickley Athletic on December 3.

Ventre, a key member of last season’s promotion-winning side, says he now hopes to kick on for the rest of the season injury-free after having a hernia operation.

“It’s obviously good to be back playing and I’m feeling fit again,” he said.

“I’d been playing with an injury for about six months so I had to make a decision.

“No-one likes missing games; it’s always tough watching your teammates go out there and play while you can’t.

“Having the operation done will allow me to play without pain now, so I can look forward to the rest of the season.”

Since Ventre last featured for the Yellows, in a 3-2 defeat to Nantwich Town on September 27, Paul Carden has taken over the managerial reigns at Cantilever Park.

The former Southport boss earmarked Ventre as a key player for him when he returned from injury, and the midfielder says he is looking forward to rewarding his old clubmate’s faith.

“It’s nice to hear when a new manager expresses his faith in you,” he said.

“I was in the youth team at Chester when Cards was first-team captain there.

“I know what he was about as a player, and he’s similar as a coach.

“I don’t think he’s seen too much of me as a player so I’m looking forward to showing him what I can do.”

Ventre started again on Saturday, when Town slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Hednesford Town.

Despite missing the chance to re-enter the table’s play-offs positions, Ventre thinks Carden has had a positive impact on the club.

“There has been players coming and going, which has kept the rest of us on our toes,” he said.

“I’d say there’s been more professionalism in training and off the pitch as well.

“You can also see we’re more organised on the pitch as well, which was much-needed.

“We just need to use the Christmas period to put a good run together now.”