Steve Sidwell, Fulham

Steve Sidwell has made his return from a hernia complaint

Fulham star Steve Sidwell is glad to be back to full fitness.

The former Aston Villa man was hampered by a hernia injury that cut short his first full season at Craven Cottage but played 45 minutes in Saturday’s draw with Kaiserslauten.

“It was a really dark time for me last season. I felt like I’d never kick a ball again,” Sidwell told Fulham’s official website.

“I’m feeling all good now, all good, and I’m just really pleased to be back out on the pitch.

“Just to be back with the lads and just training has been great. Getting game time has been another good thing. I got a little knock on the first game but other than that, I was fine.

“That’s what friendlies are for - you get a few knocks here and there and you just get on with it and it’s good to come through it feeling like this.”