Jimmy Bullard admits he is "hyper" after finally making a long-awaited return to action with Fulham reserves.The midfielder, 29, suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle at St James' Park in September 2006, which looked like it could threaten his career after just four appearances for the Cottagers following a £2.5million transfer from Wigan.
It has been a long and arduous road back to fitness for Bullard, who started his career at West Ham, which included a visit to renowned knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in the United States as well as spells fishing when he was unable to train.
Bullard has now resumed full contact training with the rest of Lawrie Sanchez's first-team squad and had a run-out for the second string against Reading earlier this week.
The midfielder could soon be in contention for a first competitive appearance in 15 months, and is relishing the prospect of helping the Cottagers pull clear of the relegation zone.
"I am with the boys all the time now - I like the atmosphere of it all. I am hyper, especially around the boys," Bullard told the club's official website.
"A lot of the time has been spent in the gym on my own and when you finally come out and play football, doing what you love in the fresh air with a ball at your feet - the first couple of weeks I was top of the world.
"Now in training I'm not thinking about my leg which is the way I wanted it to be."
Bullard added: "I am back to where I was without the games and obviously I need my match fitness.
"I'm not thinking about my knee if I want a shot, I'll just unleash one - it's been awesome."
The midfielder admits there were spells when he became "depressed" at not being involved.
"It's about how strong your mind is. When it's got to be done I think you just have to do it," Bullard said.
"Midway through my rehab I found it difficult, going to the gym every day, but I owe so much to the Fulham physios, all the way through to the manager.
"At the start it wasn't too bad but midway through I found it really tough and I had to miss one or two games because I was getting a bit depressed going to games and not being able to play. I just found it so hard."
Bullard added: "Football is my life and my dream. Everything else is second in line."
Sanchez is likely to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens in January.
Out-of-favour Portsmouth midfielder Matthew Taylor could be a target, although he would cost around £2million, while the Fulham boss has confirmed reports he is looking at South Korea international Song Chong-guk, who can play at right-back or on the right side of midfield.
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