Harte relieved to return

Ian Harte has spoken of his delight at finally returning to action after injury.

The Levante defender made his first appearance of the season in last weekend's draw with Athletic Bilbao.

Harte has been troubled by an ankle problem for some time and was forced to undergo an operation.

The former Leeds man admitted he feared he might never return from his ankle problem because of the complications of the injury.

"The cyst that I had in my ankle was difficult to remove, but luckily everything has gone well and I have recovered," Harte told Marca.

"I was scared I would not return, but I was in good hands."

Harte was frozen out of things under former coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, but he is now back in favour with Caro's replacement Abel Resino.

"It is normal that you are not counted on after a long injury," added Harte.

"In addition, it was complicated to get my place back off (Luis Manuel) Rubiales and I need more time and competitive matches to get back to 100 per cent."