Christian Saydee aiming to make up for lost time after ending Wigan Athletic 'frustration' against Reading

Christian Saydee ended three months of 'frustration' with a match-turning return for Wigan Athletic against Reading, then admitted: 'I've missed that'.

The big striker made his first appearance of the campaign as a second-half substitute against the Royals, with the scores locked at 0-0.

Having suffered a calf injury at the beginning of pre-season in early July, Saydee has watched his team-mates struggle to find goals and points so far.

But just four minutes after joining Scott Hogan up front, Saydee's powerful cross was parried by Reading goalkeeper into the path of his strike partner, who bundled the ball home for the only goal.

"That felt really good, to be back out there and helping the team win such a big game," he said. "Hopefully we can keep pushing and build on this.

"Obviously it's been a tough start to the season, but there's always been a belief there. In my opinion, it's not as if we haven't been playing well in games.

"It's just that in some passages of play, maybe 10 minutes here or there, we've been punished by the opposition. But this win is a good start, and now we want to build on that."

Saydee then reflected on his own journey back into the fold.

"It's been very difficult being on the sidelines, watching the team play," he said. "As a player, you just want to be out there and helping your team-mates, and I wasn't able to do that.

"It's not nice for any player to be watching on the sidelines, totally unable to help their team-mates, especially when things aren't going too well.

"I worked so hard over the off-season to come back in a position to really be able to attack this season.

"I knew how strong the team was going to be, and I wanted to do as much as I could to ensure I made the team.

"It was a massive setback for me to get the injury, but it has probably made me stronger and more hungry to do well.

"Having that time with the medical staff, working on my recovery, helped me come back in the best possible shape."

Manager Gary Caldwell revealed after the game Saydee has lost weight since his last outing in the team as part of a new fitness regime.

"I can feel the benefit of that now," acknowledged the 24-year-old, who got the fans going as soon as they spotted him in the technical area, waiting to come on to the field.

"I've missed that," he added. "I heard them from the moment I was ready to come on, which was nice, and they helped us to get the win.

"The fans here have always backed us, and when you have that support, it brings out the best in you as a player.

"The gaffer wanted me to bring energy and hold the ball up for the team. He's been very good for me since he's come in, and it fills you with confidence when you have that backing.

"He's a manager who always wants more from his players, and that's a good thing. You don't ever want to feel comfortable, you want to keep pushing for more."