Andy Johnson is hoping to start this afternoon’s FA Cup tie against Swindon Town and put his injury nightmare behind him.
The Fulham striker made his return to first team action as a substitute in the derby defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday and is ready to be involved from the first whistle at Craven Cottage today.
I’ve done everything I can do out there now on the training field and I don’t think anything is going to get me fitter than I am apart from games now.
I came on for 20 minutes against Chelsea and I was so happy to be out there – although I was disappointed about the result. Whichever team the Gaffer picks on Saturday I’ll be ready.
I don’t want to go into it like a bull in a china shop because I don’t want another setback. I’m ready to play games now and if I’m selected which I hope I am as it will be a great opportunity to be involved, then I’ll be delighted.
Johnson says his latest injury – which was caused by a combination of shoulder and groin problems – was his worst lay-off since he was 17.
This is probably the longest injury I’ve been out with since I was 17 and did my knee, I haven’t been out for three months since back then so it’s been very hard, but my family and my wife have been keeping me going, obviously the physios here have been fantastic as has everyone around me. I’m fit now and ready to go.