Dominic Iorfa made his return to action last night at Hillsborough.
A leg injury has seen the defender miss out over the last month and since manager Tony Pulis arrived at the club.
The 25-year-old has trained well over the last two weeks and was included in the matchday squad against Reading, taking a place on the bench before coming on at half time.
Pulis spoke post-match of the importance of getting Iorfa back up to speed and back on the pitch, and explained:
“It's lovely to have him back. We want to get him involved in what we are trying to do.
“He's a smashing lad, a good kid.
“I have not seen a lot of him apart from video clips, so it was nice to get him out there.
“I am pleased he got through the second half and helped us get a clean sheet in the second half.”
Iorfa was one of three substitutions made at half time by Pulis. Going the other way was captain Barry Bannan, who picked up a nasty knock to his ankle.
On the skipper, Pulis added: “Barry Bannan has got a right kick on his ankle and we will have to wait and see what he is like with the games coming quick.
“He’s got some swelling and he’s very sore. There was no way I was going to keep him on, he wanted to stay on, but there was no way.
“We need him. He’s an important player for this football club.”