LUKE DONNELLY paid his thanks to Alloa for sticking by him amid a tough period out injured last season.

The Wasps’ number 9 endured a stop-start campaign last year, making his way back from the sidelines but only for short spells.

Donnelly had four periods out of the squad last season due to a recurring quad issue, but received the backing of Andy Graham and was handed a new contract for this season.

Since then, he has featured in every game of the season so far, and has opened up about how grateful he was to the club and Graham for sticking by him.

“It was very frustrating,” Donnelly said. “I had a problem with my quad and I felt I just couldn’t get it right.

“Fair play to the club and manager for being patient and over these last few weeks, I’ve started to feel really good.

“Hopefully, touch wood, I can stay injury free and kick on. I played 90 against Morton and I got 90 today, so hopefully I can continue and get better, fitter and stronger as the weeks go on.”

The club’s backing has paid off in strong performances so far, capped by a superb first half against Dumbarton.

Up against the wind, Donnelly scored Alloa’s first with a cheeky flick over the keeper’s head before a sublime assist to allow Kevin Cawley to score the visitors’ second.

Donnelly hopes now to build on this performance and continue to provide high up the park for Alloa.

“When you play in the forward area of the park,” he continued. “You’re hoping to create or score or impact the game.

“Luckily, today I did that, so hopefully I can continue to do that. As a forward player, that’s what you’re wanting.

“There’s still plenty games to go, so hopefully I can kick on from here.”

Alloa concluded their first game on the road this season with a 3-3 draw, Scott Taggart adding the third.

Conditions worsened in the second half, restricting Alloa and preventing them from playing the way they like to play.

A good point on the road for the Wasps, who now turn their attentions to Stenhousemuir next Saturday.

Donnelly added: “We came in at 2-1 and it was deserved, we were in control of the game.

“Second half they were better and they got their two goals but we showed good mentality to get it back to three each.

“In the end, a point is probably fair but coming in at 2-1, it’s a bit disappointing.”

“The second half was hard – during the first half, we had the wind. It’s still hard to play with the wind with balls running out.

“It makes it harder going against the wind and getting the ball out from the back.

“They’re at home, they play in this most weeks so they know how to play in these conditions so it was difficult for the first 15, 20 minutes of the second half.”