Wallwork yesterday (Monday) returned to the club to begin the biggest battle of his career. The 29-year-old midfielder was delighted to be back in light training after spending the last seven weeks recovering from stab wounds sustained in November. While his team-mates are preparing for Sunday's FA Cup derby at Wolves (ko noon), Wallwork is starting out on the long haul back to fitness. But he has returned to Albion with a renewed determination to make the most of his playing days. "It's good to be back and to see the lads," said Wallwork. "They all asked how I was, which was nice. "I've come in to start getting my fitness back. "I'm looking forward to coming in each day and slowly getting fit. "I felt good yesterday morning. I was just on the treadmill for 30 to 40 minutes with the radio on." The former Manchester United man has had plenty of time to reflect on life during his recuperation. And his recovery has been aided by a recent relaxing fortnight in Thailand. "I was just thinking about being alive," admitted Wallwork. "I got some sun on my back and that's basically been it. "I just felt I needed to get away from everything, especially being at home. "I'm happy to be back at the club now and I just want to get fit and back playing. "What I went through was hard for me. It makes you realise how lucky you are to be in a job like this. "There are loads of young lads out there who would love to be playing football. "I've still got that chance and I want to do my best. "I've got another year or so here. I'm 29 so I've got to try and enjoy every minute between now and when my career ends. "It could have been taken away from me. "But I'm lucky to be back here. I'm looking forward to training again." Wallwork has refused to set himself a comeback date. But he insists he will do all he can to support his team-mates in their quest to win promotion back to the Premiership. "I haven't got a goal at the moment," added Wallwork. "I'm just going to take my time because it's going to be two or three months before I'm even match fit. "I don't want to rush back and strain something. I'm just going to take my time. "I'm just happy to be back here with the lads. I'll do everything I can to support them. "Hopefully, they can kick on and get promoted. "But first, the game on Sunday is massive with it being a local derby. Hopefully, we can get through to the next round." (givinfinger)
