For full back Cristian Montano it's safe to say that life this season for the Colombian has been a frustrating one to say the least.

After signing a new two year deal back in May, this season was one that was being looked forward to by Monty after finishing the 2017/2018 campaign on excellent form, and proved to be a key man for the Valiants. It was form that didn't go unnoticed as proven by the new deal awarded to him.

But reoccurring knee injuries to Cristian has hampered any sort of momentum and form he hoped to achieve this season. Montano was forced off the first time in a 2-1 home defeat against Newport, and his return to the side against MK Dons a month later was overshadowed by yet another knee injury.

Now back in contention to feature against Mansfield, the full back believes he's regained some confidence in himself after featuring in the past three games.

"Coming back has played a bit on my mind. I trained a bit more before making myself available for the reserves game, then got through 90 minutes which then gave me the confidence. 

"Obviously coming on for the first team in the FA Cup as well helped and now I've got another 90 minutes under my belt against Walsall. So it's only building up my confidence as well now and getting the games under my belt.

"I've just got to keep working and maintain the work off the pitch with my knee and doing the rehab."

Manager Neil Aspin admitted he was bringing back both Cristian and Manny Oyeleke gradually, and wanted to see them feature for 90 minutes in the Reserves game last week against Wigan before bringing them back to first team action.

Montano is a player the manager values a lot, mentioning on several occasions how important he is to the side and feels he can offer a lot. Many fans watching on look forward to the Colombian's surging runs forward from the back, but Monty can also cope well with his defensive duties.

Now back fit and ready to return to the starting line up, Montano admits that it won't be easy for him to regain his spot considering the impressive form of the defence the past few weeks.

"The team have done really well. The likes of Connell, Mitch and Theo, they've all done outstandingly well, and the team have been picking up results and I've got to keep working hard on and off the pitch and be ready for when my opportunity comes.

"At the moment I'm just excited to be fit and be getting stronger and whenever the gaffer gives me the opportunity again I want to take it.

"This season has been frustrating in terms of the injuries, it's been a very stop start season. I want to get over these injuries now, I hope it's all over for me in terms of injuries and I can just regain my form, fitness and sharpness and help the team going forward."