Brendan Galloway thanks Plymouth Argyle team-mates for supporting him during long injury absence

Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway has described his return to action from a serious knee injury as 'a long journey full of ups and downs'.

The Zimbabwe international has been thankful for the support of the Pilgrims' players and staff, as well as that of the Green Army, for helping him to get through the process.

Galloway returned to full contact training with Argyle earlier this month and played his first game in 235 days when he was a 72nd minute substitute in the 1-0 pre-season defeat by Bristol City at Home Park on Saturday.

The 26-year-old knows he needs to be patient and keep getting stronger and fitter before he is ready to challenge for a first team place, but just playing against Bristol City was a big moment for him.

He told Plymouth Live: "It felt great. It has been a long journey full of ups and downs but I'm thankful that I had my team-mates, the staff, the manager all supporting me and helping me along the way. It's nice to be back on the pitch and be back in green."

Galloway made 12 starts and two substitute appearances for Argyle after signing a short-term contract with them last summer following a successful trial period.

All was going well for the former Everton and Luton Town defender until he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during a 3-0 League One defeat by Wycombe Wanderers at Home Park in November.

Galloway said: "It was frustrating, I was really down about it the first few weeks after it happened. I couldn't really do much, but injuries happen in football. It's a part of the game.

"My job then was to support the lads, keep them going and I think they did great. They gave 100 per cent, I'm proud of what they did. Now, hopefully, I can come back in and compete."

Galloway