Alex Pattison admits he was “naïve” to think he could have been rushed back at the end of last season.

Pattison has put seven months of injury frustration behind him with a full pre-season return.

The midfielder last kicked a ball competitively three days before Christmas.

But he has been an enthusiastic presence in the pre-season friendlies – and scored at Guiseley on Saturday.

“It’s been good so far,” he said. “I’m feeling strong at the minute.

“I don’t want to tempt fate but I just want to get through injury free and go into the season and play as many games as I can.”

Pattison went under the knife in January after three hamstring injuries ruined his first year at Valley Parade.

Having started the opening month of his move from Harrogate with a bang, netting three times, he made just 13 appearances with only eight starts.

Pattison was cleared to return to training for the back end of the campaign and was keen to do his bit in the late push for the top seven.

But looking back now, the 26-year-old felt it was the right call to take the extra rehab time.

“I had my operation in January and obviously there was a lot of hard work after that.

“I was probably fit towards the end of the season but it wasn’t worth the risk of being thrown straight in.

“It was frustrating because I was injured and I just wanted to contribute to the team.

“If we got into the play-offs, I wanted to play a part.

“The lads were on a winning run and I don’t know if the gaffer would have put me back in the team with them doing that well.

“I would have been ready if called upon, but I think it would have been a bit naïve.

“Obviously we just missed out on the play-offs – but hopefully I can get through this year as strong as I can and we go one better.”

Boss Graham Alexander has described Pattison as a “fitness machine” and fans who have witnessed the friendlies can vouch for his lean look and conditioning. The longer time out has clearly worked in his favour.

Alex Pattison played only 13 times for City last seasonAlex Pattison played only 13 times for City last season (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“It’s definitely done me good,” added Pattison.

“Dayle (Avison) the physio helped me a lot last season. He gave me a programme to do in the off-season which I feel has stood me in really good stead for coming back.

“Touch wood, I feel good. I know I’ve said that before, but I just want to get through injury-free and play games.”

Pattison played 45 minutes at Chorley and Guiseley as well as last week’s behind-closed-doors game. He is set for more action in another private match today.

“It has felt a little bit like starting again. But I knew I was fit so I wasn’t worried about anything on that side.

“I just wanted to get going and hit the ground running.

“The gaffer obviously didn’t see me train very much last year. So, it felt like I was coming back in to impress a new manager and earn my shirt for this season.

“It’s all about minutes in preseason but we also want to create a winning environment.

“I know we’ve lost two friendlies now, although we won the other day behind closed doors.

“We want that winning habit. I don’t like losing any game, no matter where we are.

“We need to improve in that sense and I’m sure we will. It’s a fresh start for me and just excited to get going again.”

Pattison is also looking forward to City’s time in Austria as they prepare to fly out on Friday.

“It's going to be hard work but it will be good to all be together 24/7. I’m sure that will be beneficial for the season ahead.”