Craig Forsyth has admitted to being a relieved man after making his comeback in time for the start of pre-season training this week.
The 28-year-old missed the vast majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury, which he picked last August against Aston Villa at Pride Park Stadium.
It proved to be a bitter pill for the Scotland international defender to swallow, as he was only four games into his return after sustaining the same injury in November 2015.
After working his way through his rehabilitation programme throughout last term, Forsyth featured in training towards the back end of last season.
He also gave up some of his off-season to ensure he was fully fit to start pre-season training on Thursday and impress manager Gary Rowett from the word go.
The popular left-back is clearly determined to make up for lost time, having previously been a near ever-present following his arrival in 2013 and an instrumental member of the 2013/14 side which reached the play-off final.
Forsyth told RamsTV: “It’s good to be back and involved a hundred per cent.
“I am enjoying it just now and getting used to it all again.
“It’s a strange feeling, sort of a relief, after a long time of not being completely involved.
“I am loving it so far and hopefully it continues. The long months in the gym and treatment room were always geared towards this, so it’s nice to be back now.
“The first day wasn’t too bad and today we had a football session and then got the running spikes out for the afternoon.”
Forsyth feels the hard work he put in during his rehabilitation programme will stand him in good stead.
However, he knows there’s nothing that can replicate the intensity and demands of a pre-season programme.
He said: “I did a lot of work towards the end of last season and while it can prepare you for pre-season, it can’t replicate it.
“Rehabilitation work isn’t the same and you’re working a one-to-one basis, so if you’re knackered the physios normally let you get away with it!
“It’s hard work and I am sure it will only increase while we are in Tenerife.”