Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates admitted he was delighted to return to first-team action for the first time since October 2006.
Bates, 22, has struggled with knee injuries during the last three seasons but started in Monday's 1-0 defeat by Manchester United.
"It has been a while and I enjoyed it," he told BBC Tees.
"It was good to be back playing. I couldn't remember the last time I played for Middlesbrough."
Middlesbrough have spent a lot of time and effort during the last two years working with Bates to ensure he would make a return to football.
The former FA Youth Cup winner was pleased to be able to thank those around him and at the club for their help.
"It's been hard, but I've had very good people around me, my mother, my family, my dad, my brothers and the club's medical staff.
"Grant Downie's been absolutely fantastic with me and I've had a nice quiet word with him after the game.
"It's been hard for myself but it's been very hard for my mother, she's been like a rock for me."
The Stockton-born defender returned to action at a difficult time for Boro, with the club precariously placed just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
"If we can play like we did against Manchester United every week and show that same desire to score goals and keep clean sheets then we'll be ok."
But Bates is confident that the personnel and team spirit is strong enough for the club to bounce back from their current run of eight games without a win.
"I've been watching from the sidelines and we have been struggling but I was surprised how well the lads did out there," he said.
"The last two results have been poor but so have the performances.
"But I think if we can play like we did against Manchester United every week, show that same desire to score goals and keep clean sheets then we'll be ok."
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~50~RS~)