John Pantsil was understandably buzzing on Tuesday afternoon after coming through 90 minutes of Reserve Team action on Monday.
The defender is now targeting a return to First Team duty after recovering from a knee injury picked up at Stamford Bridge in late December 2009.
“To play a full 90 minutes against Aston Villa on Monday was fantastic," said Pantsil. "It was very good for me. I’m looking to be involved with the First Team again very soon.
“I feel very happy with the progress of my knee and much more confident and comfortable.
"The injury happened on the last day before leaving to join my colleagues in the African Cup of Nations.
"I’m someone who always gives my best and tries my heart out and I went in for a challenge and lost out.
"First of all I missed out on the African Cup of Nations and also all the Europa League games and I nearly lost the World Cup.
“It’s been really frustrating so now that I’m fit to play again I have to work so hard so that I can be the same player I was before.
“Injuries are a part of football so I have to take it as one of those things and focus on coming back. The fans have been there for me since I joined the Club and I always remember them everywhere I go and every time I play.”
Pantsil is clearly proud of Fulham’s achievements in Europe this season and whilst the right-back admits it has been difficult missing out on such an incredible journey, his focus is now firmly fixed on repaying kindness shown by Fulham fans in recent months when he returns to action.
“We all started the season together but my injury pushed me away from competing in the Europa League competition.
“The boys are doing so well and I’m really pleased with their performances but on the other hand I’m not happy that I’m not involved.
“I’m a Fulham player and I’m really happy with where we are at the moment. When it comes to the European games I’m a real fan!
“I post messages on Facebook for the fans to read and see that I’m supporting the Team and they say some nice things that cheer me up too.
“It’s a good family I’ve got here at Fulham and I promise the fans that very soon I will be cheering them again at the Cottage.”