Hull striker Dean Windass has spoke of his delight at returning from injury after fearing his season could have been over.The veteran frontman was back in the Tigers' startling XI for Saturday's 5-0 victory over Southampton after Craig Fagan was ruled out late on, and Windass was thrilled to be finally free of his knee problem.

He told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely delighted. I would have only been on the bench if Craig Fagan had been fit, but unfortunately he got injured in training on Friday and I didn't know until Saturday morning.

"The manager (Phil Brown) had a word with me before the game and asked me if I wanted to start and I said yes.

"He said I'd play 60 minutes, so I had a go at him when he brought me off after 59! But I'm delighted to be back playing because the last month has been a bleak one.

"There was a point when I thought I wouldn't play again this season, but everyone has looked after me brilliantly."

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