Luke Williams has explained the "huge boost" given to his Notts County by the return of defender Connell Rawlinson ahead of their trip to Chesterfield this weekend.
In the Magpies' penalty shootout defeat to Maidstone last Sunday, the 31-year-old returned to the side after missing the past seven games with his latest injury setback.
Rawlinson managed the full 90 minutes at Meadow Lane and dispatched a spot-kick before seeing Matty Palmer's effort saved in sudden death.
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It eases the defensive concerns within the Notts squad, potentially allowing Geraldo Bajrami the opportunity to feature in the midfield role his was so influential with earlier on in the season.
It is the second time that Rawlinson has returned from injury this season after missing the opening seven games of the season, and Williams highlighted the importance of his return to the side ahead of two tough away fixtures in the space of three days.
"It is a huge boost and I think everyone can agree that his performance was excellent," explained Williams.
"Even in the closing minutes, he is making forward runs to try to create those opportunities to win the game, it was amazing really.
"Connell has worked incredibly work with his rehabilitation, I mean the guy always works hard but Connell has been putting in that extra work because he wants desperately to get back as quick as he possibly can and to be as strong as he possibly can.
"He uses that time so well, he was really devastated when he picked up that injury and he maybe had one day to himself when he was in a bad place, but then he picked himself up and worked so hard.
"It's a great time to have him come back into the fold."
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