West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon hopes his injury nightmare is finally behind him and he will be able to push for a first-team place at the start of the new season.
The 29-year-old Wales international has been sidelined since December 2007 with a complicated abdominal problem but has revealed that he will be able to play an active part in the Hammers' pre-season work.
He admitted: "You do get down and wonder when you're going to get back. But you have to stay positive as negative thoughts don't help.
"Obviously you get days where you're doing the same work all of the time and you wonder if you're getting anywhere - and some days you just don't want to do it.
"My wife has borne the brunt of my frustrations when I used to come home from training miserable and she and my family are the ones who've been there to support and encourage me.
"The players have been great, too. They were all happy to see me back out training at the end of last season, which was nice and the manager keeps asking me when am I coming back so hopefully that will be soon.
"I've had good physios and medics at West Ham who've worked hard and remained positive.
"But it's tough not being able to do the job that you love and something you take for granted when you're playing regularly.
"What I've gone through makes you stronger mentally as I've been out for a very long time.
"When you see your team-mates playing you want to be out there so it makes you more determined to get back out there with your mates. The experience has made me love the game more.
"I'm fit and ready for pre-season and hopefully I'll make a few appearances for West Ham and Wales this season."