BEING injured is never easy for a footballer - especially when you are looking to build on an impressive first season for your club.

Reece Hall-Johnson arrived at The Racecourse in the summer of 2020 and the right wing-back scored seven goals in 33 league appearances last term.

Named in the side for the opening day trip to Solihull Moors, it was not the start to the 2021-22 campaign that Hall-Johnson was hoping for as the 26-year-old was stretchered off with a groin injury.

Cue a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with Hall-Johnson making his comeback as a second half substitute in the 2-1 FA Cup first round defeat at Harrogate Town before returning to the starting XI against Aldershot.

After 10 weeks out of action, Hall-Johnson was delighted to mark the occasion with a 5-0 win in the rearranged fixture at The Recreation Ground and a goal for good measure.

“I was eager to get back in,” said Hall-Johnson. “It has been 10 weeks and it has been hard watching it because you want to be involved.

“It is always frustrating when you are injured because you want to be on the pitch

“It was good to be back and get on the winning side of a good game.

“To come back in and get a goal and get the win, it was all I could ask for.”

Hall-Johnson was looking to pick-up where he left off after catching the eye in 2020-21 following his move from Northampton Town.

“It was disappointing to get the injury,” said Hall-Johnson. “When you have a good season you want to kick on and continue.

“Ten weeks out is disappointing but there is nothing you can do.

“You can only come back and make a difference with the lads, and hopefully I can do that now I’m back.”

Hall-Johnson returned to the starting line-up against the Shots in place of Tyler French who has been a regular in his absence on the right flank.

Bryce Hosannah has also played in that position but he operated as the left wing-back, keeping Cameron Green and Jamie Reckord out of the side.

There is no shortage of wing-backs available to Parkinson and it is something that Hall-Johnson welcomes.

“It is really good for me and for everyone because if I am not pulling my weight, I know someone who is will come in,” added Hall-Johnson, who was set-up by Hosannah for Wrexham’s third goal against Aldershot.

“If they are not pulling their weight, hopefully I will be pushing them.

“It should keep the standards of the boys high and keep us winning games.”