Exeter boosted by return of skipper Sweeney

Pierce Sweeney has begun his 10th season as an Exeter City player

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says he is delighted that captain Pierce Sweeney has made his return from an eight-month injury lay-off.

The 30-year-old - who is celebrating his testimonial year at St James Park - started City's 2-0 Carabao Cup loss at Cheltenham Town on Wednesday night.

The defender had not played since 14 December after suffering serious calf and hip injuries.

"Pierce Sweeney at his best is a brilliant player for this football club," Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

"Since I've come in, he has bought into how we want the game to be played.

"He's got fantastic quality building from the back and the final third with his crosses, he gives us so much options to how we can play the game."

Exeter made 10 changes for the cup tie as a host of young players got first-team experience.

The loss came after an impressive 4-1 victory over Blackpool on Saturday in League One.

Caldwell says it is up to players such as Sweeney, who are trying to break back into the side, to prove they can outperform those who did so well last week.

"What we want is competition," said Caldwell.

"We want a healthy squad that provides competition and at this moment in time the boys that played on Saturday in those positions, and all over the pitch, were excellent.

"So it's up to everyone else to when they get the opportunity to play, play well and train well every day and try and keep the competition within the squad and that's what drives performance."