The 25-year-old appeared as a substitute at Stoke in December before starting the FA Cup third round tie at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.
He played the first hour of yesterday’s 3-1 loss at the City Ground and was part of an impressive first-half display that saw Graeme Jones’ side lead 1-0 shortly before the interval.
“On a personal note it was good to be back, but we are all gutted in there,” said Rea. “It was never a three goals against game. I don’t think anyone here could say they deserved to score three goals.
“They are a very good team, don’t get me wrong, but we’ve come here and felt like we’ve given it everything. First half I felt we were right in the game and there were two bits of magic from their lad, but it’s never a three-goal game.”
Town remain at the foot of the Championship table, four points behind 21st-placed Stoke City, who travel to West Brom tonight.
“There’s a run coming, I’m telling you,” he said. “There is a positive run coming because everyone in there is on the same page and there is a positive run coming. The fans have been excellent again, travelling every week, so if we all stay together as a club we’ll be fine, I’m sure of it.”
Asked whether the dressing room is still confident, Rea interrupted emphatically with: “One hundred per cent. I’m telling you there is a positive run coming. Bad times don’t last, do they? We are going through a bad time and we’ve been through a bad time this season, but I’m sure there is a run coming, a positive run. We’ll get out of this.”
On his own return to action, the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international – who spent a month on loan at National League side Woking in November to gain valuable game time – said: “It’s been a very long time. It’s been a journey, but it was excellent to be back out there.
“I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back in, get my chance again. I got my chance today and hopefully it can continue. I feel fit. I’m ready to play and I felt I did all right. Hopefully it continues.”
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