Ilia Gruev gained valuable match sharpness for Leeds United Under-21s as he continues his return from an injury picked up towards the end of last campaign.

Having been sidelined since April and missing pre-season, the midfielder played over 80 minutes for Scott Gardner’s side as they drew 4-4 in a dramatic Premier League 2 clash with Middlesbrough U21s.

Speaking afterwards, the Bulgarian international couldn’t hide his delight at being back out there in the action, telling LUTV: “Yeah, I really, really liked it.

“I really love to play football and to be able now to be back on the pitch after this injury it is the best thing for a footballer, to be healthy and to feel good. This is the case so, yeah, it is a really good feeling now to be back.

“I think it looks always a little bit easier when you see only how the player comes back but in terms of the rehab, it is a little bit a tough time sometimes.

“You work a lot alone, you stay hours and hours in a training ground because you have a goal to be as quick as possible.

“And unfortunately, these injuries belong to the business and it is tough but now the difficult part is over and I can do that what I love most.

“I missed this feeling a lot and I am quite optimistic that I am really back soon. So, yeah, I really look forward to this part of the season and to the whole season.”

While Ilia may have wished for a quieter affair on his return to action, an eventual eight-goal thriller ended all square on Teesside.

Discussing the encounter and the U21s’ performance, the 26-year-old added: “I know a couple of them, of course, also from the first team training and I know what they are capable of. I think we have some good players and I also liked today to play with them.”