Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted that it was the "best feeling" to make his first appearance in the Premier League this season following a lengthy injury spell on the sidelines.
The England international came off the bench deep into the second half of the Gunners' goalless draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
Wilshere, who suffered a leg fracture in August, was named in Arsene Wenger's matchday squad after featuring in three games for the Under-21s.
"It's the best feeling," Wilshere told Arsenal Player. "All those late nights and long days in the gym, this is when it really pays off. You can do all the training, you can play for the Under-21s to build your fitness up, but what really matters is playing for the first team and getting back on the pitch, so I'm really happy.
"I felt good. In my first Under-21s game, I didn't really feel that great. In the second I felt better and in the third I felt as though I was able to get through 90 minutes and have an impact on the game. I spoke with the boss in the week, he felt the same and I travelled to Sunderland. It's a big week for me in training, getting fitter and sharper. Hopefully next weekend I can get some more game time and go from there.
"I'm not saying that I'm there yet, this is just another step on my way to full recovery. There's a few games left and after that, hopefully I'll go away with England to the Euros. It's an exciting time."
England manager Roy Hodgson will name his 23-man squad for Euro 2016 on May 12.
