Hampered by a number of issues since returning for pre-season, the midfielder made his comeback when he started the 2-1 Championship win against Southampton at The Racecourse on September 19, the final game before the international break.

But another niggle meant he missed the matches against Derby, West Brom and Preston before making a 26-minute appearance from the bench in last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers.

Sheaf also missed the majority of the run-in last term when Wrexham challenged for a play-off place, with the 28-year-old returning as a substitute when the Reds drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough on the final day.

Starved of match action for the majority of the year, Sheaf is now fully fit and he says recovering can be just as challenging mentally as physically.

"I'm not good at watching games. You feel like you're not in control of anything, but you do get used to it," he said.

"As long as you look after yourself and what you can control, then it gives you the best chance of getting back as quick as you can.

"Every injury is tough. I've had my fair few now but hopefully I've put them behind me for the season and I can just crack on and stay fit and healthy."

The return to fitness has come amid increased competition for places following Wrexham's summer recruitment, with Matty James, Lewis O'Brien, George Dobson among the midfielders challenging with Sheaf for a starting place, but it's not something that bothers him.

"That's part and parcel of football. You're always going to want to bring in good players and have good competition for places," he said.

"That's just one of those things that you've got to deal with as a footballer.

"I just concentrate on myself, trying to get back and put my best foot forward now I'm fit and available."

Sheaf believes the Championship is proving as unpredictable as ever and expects Wrexham to be in the mix come the end of the season.

"It's been interesting, pretty open from what I've seen," he said. "It's exciting and as open as the Championship tends to be each year.

"But different challenges and it's a long season.

"There will be things that go for us and things that go against us, but it's about staying as level as we can and I'm sure come the end of the season, we'll be up there.

"All the lads have contributed really well on and off the pitch so far.

"We've added real quality to the squad and good lads on a personal level as well, which always helps the culture in the dressing room.

"It's been good to work with them so far. Probably not been able to train and play with them as much as I'd like to, but there's plenty of games for that to come."