Jermaine Jenas has revealed his excitement at returning to the Aston Villa squad, hoping to make his debut against Norwich.
Midfielder looks to put his injury woes behind him with game action
Jermaine Jenas has revealed his excitement as he eagerly awaits his return to the Aston Villa squad, expressing his gratitude to those who have offered support.
The midfielder is yet to make his Villa debut after being frustrated by a series of niggling injuries since his summer loan move from Tottenham, most recently recovering from an Achilles problem.
Jenas hopes to feature in this Saturday's Premier League clash with Norwich on the back of a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
The 28-year-old admitted he will need time to find his form but is desperate to play and is confident he can do a job for the team.
"I want to get out there now and help the team," he told the club's
official website.
Excited
"I can't wait to put that shirt on, see the fans and put in some good performances for the team. I am so excited.
"If I'm involved in any way this weekend - starting or coming off the bench - I will be more than grateful to be out there playing football and contributing.
"It will take me a few games to hit my peak but the excitement and the adrenalin of playing will go through me and give me the extra energy needed.
"If I can put in a good performance or even score a goal, that would be amazing."
Jenas thanked those close to him, the club staff and his team-mates for their help throughout his stressful rehabilitation, revealing manager Alex McLeish gave him motivational talks to boost his morale.
"It's been a real, real test of mental strength. Thankfully I have had good people around me - my wife, my family - they have supported me and kept me focused," he added.
"Everyone at Villa has been fantastic too. It's been great, first and foremost, to settle into a team.
"The lads in the dressing room are brilliant. It feels like I've been here for a few years. I know quite a few of them anyway but they have made me feel comfortable and easy.
"That's helped with the injury issues I have had. The medical staff have been superb and the gaffer has been supportive throughout the whole situation.
"He's been eager to get me involved. He'd ring me, speak to me, reassure me that I'm still in his plans so that's been a big drive for me to continue and work hard and get myself back fit."
