Anthony Tonkin is delighted to be back in full training after a nightmare few months.

The left back played in the opening match of the season at Rotherham, but has been on the treatment table ever since after a nasty groin injury.

“I went for an MRI Scan and ultra-sound to determine the extent of the injury,” he said.

“I have had the same injury once before and it started off as a small tear, but because I kept playing on it made it worse.

“Now I have done it twice the rehab has been very important to make sure that it keeps healing.”

Tonkin says that it has been a frustrating time on the sidelines, but acknowledges that a battle for places is what a successful football team is all about.

“You can never rely on 11 players to get you success and it’s part and parcel of football to have competition,” he said.

“Liam (Davis) has come in, done well, taken his opportunity and that’s what it is all about.

“You have to just grasp the chances when they come your way.

“It’s for everyone’s benefit you have lots of players and competition around because you have to have that if you have success.”

Tonkin was on the bench at Sheffield United on Saturday which was a pleasant surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “But at the lend of last week with all the injuries we had it was mentioned.

“It was nice to be involved on a matchday again. The physio (Andy Lord) did say that if needed, I could take part, but it’s obviously an issue with match fitness.”

Tonkin is one of four left backs at United, something he is experiencing for the first time.

“I don’t think I have ever been at a club with three left backs let alone four – but that just shows the strength in depth we have here,” he added.