Nardiello who arguably scored Barnsley's 3 most crucial goals of last season has missed the start of life back in the Championship after breaking his collarbone at the beginning of pre-season.
Nardiello who has been earmarked for a shock Wales call-up this month scored the winners against both Walsall and Huddersfield and the equaliser against Swansea at the end of last season that helped Barnsley to promotion and he is set to return for the reserves tonight against Bradford City
He told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk
"My collarbone feels fine and I feel strong, fit and raring to go. I am desperate to get some match time now although I think I will still be a little conscious of things for a while. That is getting less and less with each training session.
"I have been in full training for three or four weeks now and cannot wait to get back into the first team.
"It has been an awful three months really because the injury was so restrictive and it has felt like an absolute age since I last played a real game. That was in Cardiff back in May so I cannot wait to get at the Championship.
"It is the worst injury I have ever had and has kept me out for three months, which have been so exciting around this club. I have spoken with Rick (Holden) and we are both targeting a return to the first team in ten days time against Luton. That is something I am really, really looking forward to.
"I need games before then and cannot wait for tonight's reserve team match. I just want to play and score goals so hopefully I can build up my fitness with 90 minutes this evening and again in the reserves next week. It has been a very frustrating few months".
He added: "I have spoken with Wales in the last few months but I have not heard anything about a call up just yet. We will have to wait and see but I have made myself available for them and it would be a massive honour if I am selected.
"It is the highest honour a player can have and I will be following in the footsteps of my father, who also played for Wales. It will be an extremely proud moment for him, my family and me if I get the call next week or anytime in the future. I would be delighted to represent Wales".
Reds boss Andy Ritchie has made it clear Nads wont be rushed.
Speaking to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk:
We are working hard to hold him back at the moment because Daniel is just desperate to get back into the first team.
"He will play the full 90 minutes tonight but it will not really put him ready for Friday's game at Preston. We have spoken with Daniel at length and told him not to rush things and make sure he is totally match fit before coming back.
"He is looking sharp in training and getting stronger all the time. There is no pain from his shoulder but probably needs another reserve game after tonight.
"Daniel was desperate to play against MK Dons last night but he has been out for three months so we will not rush him back until we are happy he is fit and ready. He is desperate to play and wants to do well".
Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley) Information | |||
Nationality: English DOB: 22/10/1982 Height: 5'11 (180cm) Weight: 11st 4lbs (71.73KG) Position: Striker Recent Clubs: Swansea City (Loan) Manchester United Reds Debut: 27/1/2004 Squad Number: 23 Upto May 2006: Appearances: 41 (48) Goals: 22 Yellows: 17 Reds: 1 | |||
Date of birth | 22 October 1982 | Height | 5.11 |
Place of birth | Coventry, England | Weight | 12.11 |
Nationality | England | Position | Forward |
Comments | Squad No. | 23 | |
Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards) | ||||||
Team | Debut | Apps (+ sub) | Goals | Yellows | Reds | |
| 27/01/2004 | 41 (48) | 22 | 17 | 1 | ||
| 03/12/2003 | 0 (1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 25/10/2003 | 4 (1) | 1 | 2 | 0 | ||
| 05/11/2001 | 1 (2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards) | ||||||
Season | First App. | Apps (+ sub) | Goals | Yellows | Reds | |
| 06/08/2005 | 15 (27) | 8 | 10 | 1 | ||
| 10/08/2004 | 12 (19) | 7 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 25/10/2003 | 18 (4) | 8 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 29/10/2002 | 1 (1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 05/11/2001 | 0 (1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Appearances 46 (+ 52 as sub); Goals 23; Yellow cards 19; Red cards 1 | ||||||
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