Fulham fullback John Paintsil is ready to make a Premier League return.
The Ghana favourite is now targeting a return to First Team duty after recovering from a knee injury picked up at Stamford Bridge in late December 2009.
"To play a full 90 minutes against Aston Villa on Monday was fantastic," Paintsil told fulhamfc.com.
"It was very good for me. I’m looking to be involved with the First Team again very soon.
"I feel very happy with the progress of my knee and much more confident and comfortable.
"The injury happened on the last day before leaving to join my colleagues in the African Cup of Nations. I’m someone who always gives my best and tries my heart out and I went in for a challenge and lost out.
"First of all I missed out on the African Cup of Nations and also all the Europa League games and I nearly lost the World Cup.
"It’s been really frustrating so now that I’m fit to play again I have to work so hard so that I can be the same player I was before.
"Injuries are a part of football so I have to take it as one of those things and focus on coming back. The fans have been there for me since I joined the Club and I always remember them everywhere I go and every time I play."
Meanwhile, Paintsil has thanked Fulham fans for their support this season.
The Ghana Player of the Year is on the brink of a first team return from knee injury.
