JOE Devera conceded that the last few weeks have been the most frustrating of his Swindon career so far but, with his injury concerns now behind him, he is more determined than ever to regain his place in the side.

The 24-year-old had been the one constant in the centre of defence earlier in the season as Paolo Di Canio paired him with Aden Flint, Alan McCormack, Alberto Comazzi and even Alessandro Cibocchi in a bid to find his strongest defensive partnership.

However, Devera suffered ankle ligament damage during training shortly after the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win over AFC Wimbledon at the start of November, and he has been out of the side ever since.

Initial prognosis suggested he faced four weeks on the sidelines but his recovery took longer than anticipated and he finally made his return to action on Wednesday with a 45-minute run out against the Win A Pro Contract finalists.

But getting back into the first team will be easier said than done with McCormack and Flint having performed so well during his absence and, while happy to see Town in such good form at the moment, he admitted his spell on the sidelines has been tough to endure.

“It was definitely the most frustrating time I have had as a Swindon player,” the former Barnet player told the Advertiser.

“The injury was only supposed to be four weeks but it has just gone on and on and it got to the point at one stage when I just didn’t know when I was going to come back fit. But it was one of those things you just need to learn to deal with it as you never know what is going to happen one month down the line.”

Devera is now hoping to be involved in some capacity for the Boxing Day trip to Torquay, although reclaiming a centre-back spot will by no means be an easy feat.

But his chance could come soon with both Flint and skipper Paul Caddis one booking away from a suspension.

Devera played at right back while at Barnet and though the centre of defence is now his preferred position, he is happy to play wherever Di Canio asks him to.

“I’ll play anywhere to be honest it is not really an issue, if I am asked to play somewhere I would do it,” he added.

“Right-back would not be my chosen position but if I had to play there I would be more than happy to do it. I will just be happy with any chance I can get to get back into the side.”