Graham Alexander is overjoyed that Oliver ignored his manager’s directions right away.
The long-awaited return of the big striker was the icing on the cake in City’s five-goal thumping of Barnsley in midweek.
Oliver’s late appearance was intended to ease him back into action nearly five months after his knee surgery.
The target man, on the other hand, did not take half measures.
“I spoke to him just before he went on and told him to take it easy and see himself through the 20 minutes,” Alexander explained.
“That’s not really taking it easy but he said to me afterwards that’s how he is once he crosses the white line.
“I love that full commitment. That’s what we want our team to be and you need individuals like that.”
It was Oliver’s first action since a sub appearance against Sutton on Easter Monday and the 32-year-old is understandably eager to make up for lost time.
But Alexander will monitor his comeback carefully to avoid the risk of another setback like Alex Pattison suffered when he was brought back too soon.
“We’re well aware of Vadaine’s qualities but we do have to be patient,” added the City boss. “We understand he’s been out for a significant amount of time.
“Let’s not get too excited just because he played 20 minutes at the end of a game and we think he’s back on track.”
“We have to make sure we give him the time to establish himself physically back into what’s required to play for 90-odd minutes.”
Oliver certainly felt it when he returned to training, but Alexander is overjoyed to have him back in the mix.
“It was a good opportunity to get Vadaine some game time,” he said. The intensity, he believed, was something he couldn’t replicate in training.
“He was a bit stiff but it gives him an idea how much work he has to put in to get back up to full speed.
“He’s an experienced striker with brilliant attributes and a great lad, well respected by everybody. He’s proven at this level.
“It’s great to have him back out on the pitch in a kit.”
It’s not just Oliver where the news on the long-term injury front is more encouraging.
Harry Chapman got another 67 minutes under his belt on Tuesday and Pattison has joined back in with full training.
Alexander will not want to tempt fate but is looking forward to the added competition.
“I’m excited about all our players. The more good players we have, the better the competition and it keeps everyone on their toes.
“When it gets to 60-70 minutes and you need to improve or keep it going, you have good quality on the bench to bring on.”
“That’s how a strong, powerful squad should operate, and players must enjoy the competition.”
“When you look around at your teammates and see good players who work hard, it should give you more confidence to win football games.”
“Seeing the support you have can help you grow as an individual.” It’s a team sport, and it’s how the team bonds.”