Steve Sidwell hopes to kick-start his career with Fulham ahead of a potential full debut at Liverpool on Wednesday.
Having made a second-half appearance against Stoke on Saturday following his move from Aston Villa, the midfielder could start at Anfield if Dickson Etuhu does not overcome injury.
Sidwell is eager to use his opportunity with Mark Hughes’ Fulham to restore his reputation to that of the playmaker who was a star at Reading, before stalling at Chelsea and Villa.
The former England Under 21 international said “Since I moved from Chelsea to Villa, it has been a bit stop-start for me, and it’s fair to say that things haven’t quite gone to plan.
“I’ve had a few injuries as well which was frustrating, because I’ve always been quite lucky on that front – fingers crossed.
“I played every game at Reading and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I was then given a fantastic chance at Chelsea and played a fair amount of games there, but now I’m looking to show what I can do again.”
Sidwell is also relieved to have finally become a Fulham player after a drawn-out transfer.
The move broke down last summer after Roy Hodgson quit Fulham to take charge at Liverpool, while the arrival of Gerard Houllier at Villa gave Sidwell a chance to resurrect his career in the Midlands.
A last-minute snag then saw a switch to West Ham collapse earlier in January and talks with Wolves quickly followed before Hughes finally picked up where his predecessor had left off.
Sidwell said: “I’m really pleased that it was something that the club looked at again and I’m delighted to finally be a Fulham player.
“This is a great place, with top facilities and a good group of players.
“There’s a good team spirit and, as a result, I’ve managed to settle in very quickly.”
