Charlie Wyke reflects on 'crazy period' after Wigan Athletic return

The 29-year-old made a surprise appearance on the substitute's bench at Birmingham, and he came on to create Nathan Broadhead's winning goal with eight minutes to go.

It was Wyke's first outing at first-team level since suffering a cardiac arrest during training last November.

He played in a few pre-season friendlies before suffering a setback last month which put him a couple of weeks behind the rest of his colleagues in terms of fitness.

And Wyke admitted to being 'really emotional' while discussing his remarkable comeback – which at one point looked to be a very long shot.

“It’s been a really long time coming," he said.

“It’s been a crazy period as everyone knows, but thankfully I’m back playing now.

"It was really emotional, especially to have my family in the crowd watching on.

"I don’t think anyone can really understand what me and my family have been through.

"But thanks for sticking by me and it’s unbelievable to come on the pitch and get an assist.

“I want to come back, play well and do well for the team.

"I really worked hard to be back on the pitch, and the club - the fans, manager and players - have been unbelievable with me, I cannot thank them enough.

"It’s been unbelievable to have their backing in a tough 10 months, but I’m back now and hopefully, I can put it all behind me.”

The win continues Latics' unbeaten start to the campaign, with the side overcoming the unjust sending-off of Joe Bennett inside the opening 10 minutes.

“The boys had to dig deep," Wyke added.

“Going down to ten men so early, it was always going to be a tough game but credit to the boys who got the job done.

"It was a tough shift but it was a great three points in the end.

“Everyone knows how much of a tight-knit group we are and we all work hard for each other.

"We had to dig deep and it just shows how much character we have in the team.”

Manager Leam Richardson was also delighted to see the former Sunderland and Bradford striker back where he belongs – in the Latics’ No.9 jersey.

"Everyone knows my thoughts on Charlie, first and foremost as a person as well as a footballer,” added Richardson.

"We all know how hard he's worked over the last nine months to get back to where he is now.

"All I had to do was support him, and give him that platform to do that.

"To see him back out there was fantastic, his touch on the field was fantastic, and the assist for the winning goal was fantastic.

"Seeing the lads congratulating him after the game, and the fans chanting his name, makes everything worthwhile.”

Wyke’s last senior outing was in the FA Cup tie against Solihull Moors on November 16, 2001.