Gwion Edwards has outlined his frustration at not being able to hold down a regular place in Town’s promotion-chasing side this season.

The Welsh winger has started six — and come off the bench in a further four — of the club’s 14 league games, netting once after finishing last season, his first after a switch from Peterborough, as joint-leading marksman - along with Freddie Sears - with six Championship goals.

Edwards, 26, said: “I haven’t really had a run of games but when I have played I think I’ve done well, although I still think there’s a lot more to come from me.

“I’m still getting going after coming back from injury in the summer but generally I think I’ve played well and added to the team.

“A run in the side is what I’m after. Everyone wants to play in every game week in, week out, but we have a big squad and you’ve got to freshen things up for the amount of games we have to play.

“It seems to be working so we’ll keep going and when I do play I’ll give 100 per cent and do my best for the team.”

Edwards returned after the summer break still looking to reach peak fitness after picking up an injury that saw him miss the final two games of last season and he added: “The effect is quite big but I’ve done my best to keep my fitness up while I was doing my rehab and all the exercises.

“I did well to get back for the start of the season and I’m fit and able to play but I still think that the more games I play the better I’m going to be.”

Asked about manager Paul Lambert’s policy of squad rotation, which has seen him already call on the services of 29 players in all competitions this season, Edwards continued: “I think the gaffer knows where everybody is and is rotating his squad with a few changes from one game to the next.

“That is part and parcel of the game now and with the squad we have it is important that everyone is involved because when you are called upon you have to be ready to play.

“I would play every game if I could and that goes for the other lads too. It’s not nice to sit on the bench or be left out of the matchday squad but you have to keep the right attitude and be positive.

“It’s about being ready, whether you are starting or you are on the bench. I’ve come on as a substitute in a few games and it’s a case of making sure you are ready to go on and make an impact.”

Edwards agreed that no player had become an established first choice in the wide areas, adding: “We’ve swapped between using wide players and wing-backs during games and I think that’s probably why we haven’t had a consistent wide player playing there.

“With the number of wingers we have in the squad and a few changes in midfield as well, no one has really nailed down the wide position.

“But it’s fine, we have the fresh legs to come on and change the game to make things tougher for our opponents.”

Edwards started as a right wing-back in last month’s defeat at Accrington and finished it as an orthodox right-back, so with Kane Vincent-Young still absent through injury is he expecting to start there at Rochdale tomorrow evening?

“I kind of knew that question was coming,” he smiled. “I’m really a left-winger but I can play as a wing-back, which I did during my time at Peterborough. Because of how things went at Accrington I ended up playing at right-back.

“I thought ‘Fine, I can play there’ and if the gaffer wants me to play there again I’m happy to do it.

“Ideally, I’d like to play wide, but it depends on how things are going on the day whether you are going to have to play elsewhere and if that’s the case I’m happy to do it.

“I’ve always played left-wing really — or perhaps left wing-back — but here at Ipswich I’ve always been on the right side, which is fine as well.

“As I’ve said, if I had the pick it would be left-wing, but if I’m picked to play right-wing, right wing-back or even right-back I’ll do it, get on with it and give 100 per cent.”

The Crown Oil Arena, the new name for the Greater Manchester club’s home ground better known down the years as Spotland, will be new territory for a lot of the Town players.

“However, Edwards is no stranger to it and said: “I’ve played there a few times and it can be a tough place to go on a cold midweek night. But I look forward to the night games under the lights. I really enjoy them but I’ll enjoy it a lot more if we come back with the three points.”

Victory for Town will see them regain pole position in League One but Edwards added: “There’s still a long way to go and we’ll just take every game as it comes, keep ticking them off and not get too ahead of ourselves.

“Suffering two defeats recently was a big blow for us but we won at Southend last week and the aim now has to be to put another long unbeaten run together.

“There is still a lot to come from this squad because I don’t think we’ve played as well as we can yet. We’ve done the basics and got by but I believe there is more to come.

“Against Southend the ball was in the air a lot and that’s not really us, but we did the job and won the game comfortably. When we get the ball down we can be a lot better.”

Photo: TWTD

chorltonskylineblue added 14:17 - Nov 4 He looked out of his depth at right back in the Accrington game. Not surprising given left wing is his preferred position. I'd rather see Donacien or a utility defender play there against Rochdale. Put Edwards where he can do some damage to the opposition rather than us!
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DifferentGravy added 14:55 - Nov 4 Astounded that he thinks he has been playing well. Edwards is not a defensive minded midfielder/wing back or box to box....hes a luxury player. He likes to get the ball in the attacking third and try some skill/cross or shoot. Unfortunately his contribution to the team has been negligible, he rarely creates chances for others and loses the ball far too often. I havent seen anything from this season that would alter my opinion from last season. So whilst critical of Chambers and Jackson last season, they have both worked hard and improved their performances and contributions to the team. Edwards hasnt and i fail to see why he deserves any game time.....let alone a a regular start!

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Cloddyseedbed added 21:12 - Nov 4 He has the skill but a lazy attitude. Therefore he will never get a good run in the team. Shame he can't rectify it.
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pablopablopablo added 23:38 - Nov 4 When he first came to town I was excited at what I was seeing. Seems to have gone a bit cold since then but he's someone who does have the ability to take on players and change a game. I for one am optimistic about what he can bring.
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