AFC Wimbledon loanee Darius Charles is entitled to take the view ‘pressure, what pressure’ as he squares up to the club’s battle for promotion.

While his teammates get used to the unchartered territory of an end of season playoff scrap, former Brentford defender Charles is just happy to be playing after finally winning a year-long fight with serious injury.

After his first league game in 13 months in Saturday’s win over York he admits he is thrilled to be thrown headlong into a promotion race.

“It’s brilliant for me and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being around the boys at Burton and helping however it is I have been with attitude around the place and what not.

“Now I’ve come here and I’m involved in a first XI which is obviously what I want to be doing, playing football. It is another challenge and an enjoyable one.

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“It is a chance to get involved in something positive football-wise. Hopefully we can do what we have set out to achieve, but I’m definitely enjoying the task at hand.”

The 28-year-old broke his leg and ruptured ankle ligaments while playing for Stevenage at Bury in February 2015 and after joining Burton last summer he tore a hamstring in a reserve game for the Brewers while trying to regain fitness.

He admits it was a difficult road back in every sense, but one he has emerged from a stronger character.

“It was a tough one to come back from mentally and physically,” he added.

“Any injury is difficult and any-time after a long-term layoff you get niggles and aches and pains, plus secondary injuries because you have been out for a while.

“But what does not kill you makes you stronger and I’m back now and fit, ready and raring to go.”