BRIDGES READY TO RESUME HIS BATTLE
The Leeds United striker has been sidelined for over 12 months with firstly an ankle problem and secondly a knee complaint that resulted due to the severity of his earlier injury.
Bridges has battled back after being told he would never play again after rupturing a tendon and two ligaments in his ankle during a Champions League clash in October 2000.
Commenting on his torrid last year, Bridges said: "It`s been a struggle. I thought I`d just sprained my ankle. It turned out I had torn a main tendon and snapped two ligaments. I had to have the bone drilled and the ligaments fastened back to the ankle bone.
"I was told that I wouldn`t play again.
"It was a massive shock for me. It didn`t really sink in at first, but then I became determined to prove that theory wrong."
Bridges battled bravely and made a tentative return but broke down in pre-season with a knee complaint, that turned out to be ligament damage.
The former Sunderland man has no hope of playing this term, but is determined to prove he is not a one-season wonder after removing the brace supporting his knee on Boxing Day.
Elaborating on his knee injury, Bridges said: "It developed because the leg took so much strain during the ankle injury. It was a shattering blow when I realised I was going to miss another season, but everything is going well since I came back from America.
"Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp both phoned and it gives you a boost to talk to players who`ve been through it and got fit again.
"I had a brace to restrict me from bending the leg when walking. My Christmas present was taking it off on Boxing Day."
Looking ahead, Bridges concluded: "So far I`ve been a one-season wonder. I`m not setting any deadlines - when I`m ready, I`m ready - but I`ll be trying to get back in the team, even though I`ve got a battle on my hands.
"Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler are great signings and I`m not the bitter type. We`ve a great spirit here and we need a big squad. You know the chances will come, and I am still only 23."
