'It was amazing - but I was a nervous wreck - obviously I have been out of the team for such a long time

CITY KEEPER WILSON OPENS UP ON FEAR, PAIN AND PRESSURE AFTER BEING THROWN BACK IN AT THE DEEP END FOR CRUCIAL MIDDLESBROUGH VICTORY

- By ANDY TURNER Sky Blues Reporter

BEN Wilson admitted that he was a “nervous wreck” after being thrown back in at the deep end to keep goal for Coventry City for the first time in seven long months in the biggest game of the season so far.

Frank Lampard opted to go with the 32-year-old goalkeeper instead of Brad Collins as the Sky Blues took on Middlesbrough for a place in the Championship play-offs, coming out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals at the end of each half from Jack Rudoni.

“I think it is fantastic to get the result, to get the clean sheet,” said a greatly relieved Wilson, who admitted to being a bag of nerves at the team hotel on Friday night as well as in the build-up to the big game at the CBS Arena.

“It was amazing but I was actually a nervous wreck from the start. Obviously I have been out the team for such a long time.”

Wilson hadn’t played since early October when he suffered a knee ligament strain that kept him sidelined initially for three months, but even back in full training, he admits the injury dragged on longer than he'd hoped.

“I have been trying to get back fit, it has been a longer process than what I had thought but I have been training well,” he explained.