SWINDON Wildcats D-man Matt Selby has cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines of the Link Centre of late as he waits to get the nod to get back on the ice.

The 20-year-old has been absent from the roster since a second period fight with James Galazzi at Bracknell Bees just over two weeks ago.

Selby’s history of concussion injuries during his time at Basingstoke Bison last season is well documented and the Cats are taking every precaution to ensure he is not returned to the fold too soon.

“It is frustrating being on the sidelines,” he said.

“I missed too much last year because I was rushing back from different injuries.

“I just need to be smart because I am still young and I don’t want to beat myself up.

“It is never nice to watch, especially when you see the boys battling hard, like Whits (Stevie Whitfield) and Lids (Neil Liddiard) - they’re playing a lot of minutes.

“It would be nice to give them a breather and help out and get back to the way things were but at the moment it is something I have got to carry on battling with.

“I’m just taking precautions so I don’t make it any worse.

“I have had some serious injuries before and I think Nelly (Aaron Nell) is doing the right thing and looking out for me so I don’t injure myself long term.”

Selby, who is on a two-way contract with Elite League outfit Coventry Blaze, has been receiving treatment at both clubs and has been in training to keep himself match fit for when Cats head coach Aaron Nell gives him the all clear.

With Swindon facing Selby’s old team Basingstoke twice this coming weekend, and with having to do so without Stevie Lyle and Tomasz Malasinski, the 20-year-old believes it will be the ideal time for his return, but that decision is out of his hands.

“If it was down to me I would be playing already but I am not allowed and they are holding me back at the moment,” he added.

“I am still practising and stuff to try and get myself back out there but the decision last week was that I wasn’t ready.

“I am hoping that this week will be the weekend but I can’t get my hopes up too much because I don’t want to be getting knocked back and frustrated again.

“It’s against my old team Basingstoke as well so it would be a good weekend for me to turn up.

“I don’t think that Aaron is going to push me due to that, though.

“If I am good to go then I will be there 100 per cent as always, but if I am not then I just have to do what I am told.

“I would definitely like to be back in the fold and I will be training this week and hopefully get some good news.”