Dominic Gape has revealed that he was happy to be back in the Wycombe team following an absence from the squad for two-and-a-half months.

Prior to his start and Championship debut against Brentford, the 26-year-old hadn’t played following his red card against the Bees in September in the EFL Cup.

Following his sending off on September 6, he picked up an undisclosed injury in training which has forced him to miss the last 11 matches.

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But with 73 minutes under his belt in the goalless draw against the West London side on Saturday, Gape has stated that he was ‘excited’ for the Championship challenge ahead.

Speaking after the 0-0 draw against Brentford, he said: “We can definitely compete and it just shows what togetherness can do.

“We matched them and more effort-wise, and that’s what we need to bring to the table.

“We need to outwork teams and if we can do that and stay in games and get chances, then I’m sure we can pick up points.

“I thought we were resolute, strong, and good defensively.

“And if we can fine-tune at the other end of the pitch then we’re in a good spot.

On his injury issues, Gape said: “It has been frustrating but at the same time, it has given me a chance to be stronger.

“I feel quicker and I have done lots of work in the gym.

“It was flat out in the summer with the play-offs but as I have had an extended break, I feel ready to attack the fixtures.

“I picked it up [the injury] the week after I got suspended [against Brentford in September].

“There were complications but I have put that behind me so I am feeling good.

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“Watching is really difficult for me personally so I’ve been desperate to try and contribute to the team.

“So, it was nice to get out there and help get a point on the board.

“I’m really excited to get my teeth into the Championship."

This is Gape’s fifth season with the club, and his appearance on Saturday means that he has played in all four levels of the EFL – League Two, League One and the Championship with Wycombe, and in the Premier League for Southampton.

His only appearance in the top-tier to date, came in December 2014, when he played the final few moments of the Saints’ 3-0 win against Everton at St Mary’s Stadium.

He came on for Shane Long in injury-time.