NEIL Young paid a glowing tribute to Michael Wilde after the talismanic striker marked his return from injury with a goal.
The Chester FC boss hailed the fit-again frontman following his brilliant back-heeled effort in the 2-0 Cheshire Senior Cup win at higher-league Hyde on Tuesday.
The excellent form of Matty McNeil and Chris Simm meant the Blues coped well in the two months Wilde was absent with a fractured collarbone.
But last season’s 37-goal top scorer showed why he remains central to his manager’s plans with an impressive cameo appearance against Blue Square North leaders Hyde.
Young said: “I could not have asked for more than that.
“It was a great finish and if you look at the amount of chances we had but didn’t take, he gets one and it’s in the back of the net. That says a lot about Michael Wilde.
“We created the best part of 10-12 chances, hit the woodwork twice and their goalkeeper made some unbelievable saves, but it’s all about putting the ball in the back of the net and that’s what Michael does.
“People probably don’t realise how much it has hurt him being out and, while he won’t shout it from the rooftops, he has worked so hard to come back. Now he’s fit he’s desperate to get back in the team – you could see that against Hyde and how made up he was to score.”
Young is planning to arrange a series of behind-closed-doors games to get Wilde up to full match fitness.
The 28-year-old’s recovery will not be rushed but he is expected to take his place on the bench for Saturday’s league game at Stafford Rangers (3pm).
Chester head to the improving Marston Road outfit on the back of a five-match winning run in all competitions during which they have scored 17 goals and kept five straight clean sheets.
Captain George Horan and new signing Matty McGinn return to a strong squad missing only Ashley Williams, who has continued his rehabilitation from injury by spending the week at Lilleshall.
Young believes victory over a Stafford side unbeaten in their last five would act as the perfect preparation for the visit of rivals Chorley to the Exacta Stadium on Wednesday (7.45pm).
“We’ve got to keep churning out the results,” said Young, who is ready to release two more players from his squad.
“We’ll concentrate on Stafford and then turn our attention to Chorley at training on Monday. People are building them up, but we don’t fear anyone.”
