Walsall midfielder Danny Guthrie admits desperation to play made him rush back from injury

The 32-year-old returned to the squad against Stevenage on Saturday after his latest setback when he was taken off away at Swindon after 20 minutes at the beginning of the month.

The former Liverpool midfielder has now revealed he suffered a hamstring injury in that game – which kept him out for four games – and that a recurring hip problem had sidelined him twice earlier in the season.

Now, after his latest return, he's keen to stay fit and help the Saddlers gain some momentum.

"I just need to get as much training and games under my belt," he said.

"I was rushing back a couple of times earlier on in the season, which did no-one any favours.

"The first one came when we were playing well and winning games and I was playing well.

"It was frustrating and you probably come back a day or two too early and you probably start when you shouldn't.

"You have to be a bit more sensible and put the brakes on.

"It's just a desperation to play and help the lads out.

"They haven't been any major injuries, it's just been little niggles and fatigue injuries.

"I had a problem with my hip with the first one and then that was a recurrence two weeks later, which was too soon.

"I was probably compensating a little bit on my other leg and did my hamstring at Swindon.

"It's been a bit stop start.

"We got on a good run in September and the team was playing well, I was playing well.

"So I was just desperate to get back in the mix.

"But you have to put the reins on sometimes, at 32 as well."

During his time out of the side, Guthrie said it was tough to watch the team lose games, knowing there was nothing he could do to help.

"It's the worst, it's so hard to come and watch the games," he added.

"It's very difficult.

"That's why you rush back a day too early and it's just not right.

"You can't stand coming to watch.

"Even though you want the lads to come and do well, it's still tough watching.

"But it's part of football and I've done it for long enough now."

Having turned out for Liverpool, Newcastle and Bolton, among others, in his career, Walsall manager Darrell Clarke is keen to keep Guthrie fit to add that extra 'quality' to his side.

"We know Danny, if we can get him fit and keep him fit, that's going to be the key," he said.

"He's a very talented player who can unlock defenders, we know that.

"His record speaks for itself, there's no-one more frustrated than Danny but he's working hard.

"We've assessed it, we're looking at his diet, looking at everything to make sure that we can try and keep him fit on a regular basis.

"We need a bit of luck with that one.

"He's got that quality hasn't he, he has that final pass, that final delivery.

"We just have to get the work into him and make sure we keep him clear of injury because every injury he gets is a set back.

"We're hoping for a big run of games with him and hopefully get him fitter and fitter by the day."