Sam Parker | It was great to be back out there

Sam Parker relished his return to Championship football after making his first league start since January 2024 in the draw with Middlesbrough.

The academy product - who has been at the club since under-nine level - started a Championship fixture for the first time since sustaining a serious hamstring injury against Birmingham City more than two years ago.

Parker, who made his first-team debut aged just 17, was delighted to be handed the opportunity by head coach Vitor Matos, and produced an eye-catching display with his pace and athleticism. 

And he is aiming to get more action under his belt over the final weeks of the campaign.

"It was a great feeling to be back out there," said Parker.

"The past two years have been long, and I've had to be patient with rehab, training and getting minutes under my belt.

"I signed my new deal when I was injured and that gave me a boost, now getting back on the pitch on top of that is an even better feeling.

"The new gaffer and staff are great, and I learn and develop everyday, I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to come back in.

"Hearing the fans sing my name when I went off was amazing, I've never felt anything like that before, and for my family to be there was even more special.

"I just want to kick on now, there's only a month left of the season now, but I want to continue being involved."