Aden Baldwin has revealed that Connell Rawlinson played a huge part in his return to action for Notts County after missing six games through injury.
In what has been an injury-hit start to his Magpies career, the 25-year-old was back to his best during Notts' 2-2 draw with Southend on Tuesday evening.
The defender joined from League One side MK Dons during the summer and made an instant impact in the opening games of the National League season, but a recurring Achilles injury forced him to miss their draw away to Gateshead, before sustaining a more serious in the lead up to their game with Aldershot.
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Baldwin missed five of the Magpies' victories during their seven-game winning run which started with their win over York City back in September, returning as a substitute in their emphatic 6-1 win over Wealdstone.
And speaking to the defender ahead of their visit to Eastleigh this Saturday, Baldwin admitted he was frustrated about the timing of his absence from the squad, but never doubted the capabilities of his team-mates.
"I was frustrated obviously with picking up an injury and wanted to be part of the team that was doing so well.
"But the squad here is really good, we have great quality throughout the squad and in my mind, there was no worries and the lads have been brilliant ever since."
After making his return at Grosvenor Vale, Baldwin has featured in the following three games playing the duration as he looks to kickstart his Magpies career.
But in his absence, another returning defender took his place with Geraldo Bajrami filling in as part of the back three.
Rawlinson made his return to action after a lengthy period on the side-lines, slotting into the defence as if he'd never been away, keeping four clean sheets in the nine ten games he has featured in.
And having just returned from his own rehabilitation, Baldwin explained that the experienced defender was on hand to provide encouragement during an understandably difficult period for anyone in the world of professional football.
"Connell was such a good guy, a brilliant footballer but he is an even better person," said Baldwin.
"He has always got time to speak to anyone, I can't speak highly enough of him to be honest.
"I am always training with him, I am always talking to him, and he is a top player and also a top guy."
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