Cunningham returns tonight - January 24, 2001
A welcome event for Irish fans will happen tonight at Sutton when Kenny Cunningham takes to the pitch for the first time this season. The Irish international will line out for the Wimbledon reserves in a friendly against Arsenal.
Cunningham had a run-of-the-mill groin operation in the summer and he was expected to be back in action for the start of the new campaign - but things did not work out and as his healing process took an age.
The 29-year-old Dubliner finally returned to full training this week and the game against Arsenal tonight will be another step in his rehabilitation.
While Kenny was sitting on the sidelines Ireland have gone on to secure one of their best ever starts in a qualifying campaign with Richard Dunne and Gary Breen shining in the central defensive roles.
His return will not be in time for Ireland's friendly against Denmark next month but it will give manager Mick McCarthy food for thought for the upcoming qualifiers.
Kenny said: "It's great to be back and amongst the lads again and I am really enjoying being involved again.
"There is always a certain amount of new players at any club arriving over the summer period and although they have taken a little while to bed in, things are beginning to come together.
"We also have some tremendous young players here at the football club who have big futures in the game and it has been good to see them close up and hopefully they can help us a put in a good second half to the season and make a run for the play-offs," he continued.
"I am feeling fit but you never really get the real feel of things unless you are playing. Training here is always competitive which is good but once I have got back to match fitness I will hopefully be available to Terry."