The winger made his first appearance for almost 10 months when he played the final nine minutes from the bench in United’s 2-1 defeat at Bristol City last time out.

Edwards initially joined the U’s on loan from Ipswich Town last summer, and after netting two goals in four appearances, a hamstring injury ruled him out for two months.

He played two games at the end of November, but a recurrence of the hamstring problem saw Edwards return to the sidelines.

The 26-year-old signed a deal with United through from January until the end of last season after his Tractor Boys contract was terminated by mutual consent, but he failed to feature again once he suffered another setback.

After months of intense rehabilitation, Edwards agreed a short-term deal until January earlier this month.

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Having made his U’s return, Edwards said: “It was great. It’s been a long time coming with a lot of ups and a lot of downs, and a lot of injuries, so to finally be back on the pitch was really nice.

“It’s required a lot of mental strength. Some days you come in and you don’t want to do rehab again. You’re going through the same thing each day, but I’m a firm believer that God has a plan.

“I always stick to that, and try to come in smiling, laughing and joking no matter what’s going on. That’s what helped me get through it really.

“I’m just that type of person, laughing and joking around the place. I try to lift everyone’s mood, sometimes not everyone is happy, so if I can lift their mood a little bit, it’s good for them as well.”

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Edwards was at Wembley for United’s promotion in the Sky Bet League One play-off final, and joined the squad on the pitch and in the changing room for the post-match celebrations.

He joked: “I hit the lottery really, being out for the season and then coming back in the Championship.

“Credit to the boys, it’s really good to come back and play in the Championship. It’s where I was striving to get to, so thanks to the boys for doing it for me.”

Edwards added: “I’d come to terms with being injured. Being there at Wembley was a great experience for me, to watch the boys put on such a great performance, and be in the changing room after with the guys, singing and dancing.

“I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the club and how they’ve treated me. I’ve come back from injuries, been playing, had injuries again, and a lot of teams could’ve put me aside, but they’ve stuck by me, and I’m really grateful to them for that, for sticking with me. Hopefully I can repay them on the pitch.

“My first sessions back, I could see the rust was there, and in time with playing games, I’ll get used to the intensity of games again, and I’ll hopefully be at my best again soon.”