Cole Skuse said he enjoyed every minute of his return from injury as he featured for Town for the first time this season on Saturday.
The midfielder has been out of action due to a fluke knee injury suffered in training which subsequently led to an operation.
After five months sidelined, the 34-year-old made his comeback when he took to the Portman Road pitch for the final 26 minutes of Town's 1-0 victory over Plymouth.
"I've never been through a period like that in my career so I enjoyed every minute of the return," Skusey told the Club website.
"It's been a long five months but one thing I certainly want to do is go on record and thank everyone that has helped me come through it.
"The medical staff and everyone involved behind the scenes at the Club have been brilliant. I'm absolutely chuffed that they've made it possible for me to get back out on the pitch.
"It was a good game to come into because it was a challenge. We were 1-0 up against a side that played some good football so we had to be on it. I enjoyed getting back into the thick of things and as a collective we saw the game out well.
"Yes it's been five months but I'm feeling really good. When I first picked up the injury I heard a few people saying 'that's him done at his age' but all that did was add fuel to the fire and give me even more drive."
As well as the medical team and other members of staff at the Club, Skusey also paid tribute to friends and family that have helped him over the last few months.
"My support system has been great. My wife and children have been amazing and the lads in the squad have done nothing but give me well wishes and help in any way they can," Skusey, who made his 275th appearance for Town when he came on against Argyle, added.
"That's people like you and the media team and other people at Portman Road on a matchday as well. Everyone's said how pleased they are to see me back out there and it makes it so worthwhile. It's been a grind but it's so nice to hear people say 'it's good to see you playing'.
"Something else that made it more enjoyable was the fact we won. If I was speaking after a defeat, although I'd be pleased to be playing football again still, the mood might be slightly different!
"It was nice to play under the new gaffer for the first time as well. He's brought a bubbly energy to the place and I'm looking forward to hopefully playing more football under him."
