He may have only made an eight minute cameo, but Gareth Ainsworth proved the old adage of class being permanent on Wednesday night.

The Wycombe Wanderers boss replaced Dayle Southwell in the dying stages of the 3-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over Northampton.

It was his 601st career appearance and his first since 2013 and he laid on Wycombe’s third with an assist for Garry Thompson.

The 43-year-old was clearly enthused by his brief appearance and says the hunger to play remains strong despite being unofficially retired.

“It [the appetite to play] never disappears and you always think you can do it,” Ainsworth explained.

“I probably have to say thanks to my Sunday league team as well because they have kept me pretty fit and I have not let the game go.

“It is easy to let the game go and say you’re finished, but I love the game and I love my Sundays. I train with the boys and still enjoy the competitiveness.

“I think you see that in the tackles and the celebrations at the end, so it was easy to get back into it.”

Ainsworth’s introduction, which came with Wanderers 2-0 up, drew boos from the home support, but he was keen the stress he was not disrespecting the competition.

His place on the bench was due to injuries to Joe Jacobson and Marcus Bean which increased the Blues’ fitness worries.

Ainsworth therefore opted to introduce himself instead of risking injuries to any more of his depleted first team.

“I have kept myself fit and I am glad because I wouldn’t have dreamt we would have an injury crisis like we have at the moment,” Ainsworth said.

“This is a serious injury crisis at Wycombe Wanderers and we are talking about months out for seven or eight players in a squad of 22.

“It was an educated decision, it wasn’t a glory decision by any means and I would never disrespect anything by putting on a 43-year-old.

“I thought I held my own and would do again if needed. I just cannot have any more injuries. I am not saying I didn’t enjoy it, of course I did, and it’s fantastic to get the boots back on.”

Ainsworth’s contribution put the finishing touches on Wycombe’s best performance of the season as Danny Rowe and Paul Hayes scored before Thompson’s third.

The Wycombe boss was keen for the focus to remain on his players after what he felt was a hugely impressive display.

“I was pleased with the assist for Thommo’s goal and it was probably the oldest two players on the pitch combining,” he said.

“Let’s not talk about that, let’s talk about the players on the pitch tonight. If we can play like that week in week out we will be absolutely fine.

“Forgetting myself, the performance was brilliant and the lads were outstanding tonight.”