Matty Lund is keen to make up for lost time after returning to competitive action for Rochdale on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has endured a frustrating 2015 thus far, with shoulder and knee problems keeping him on the sidelines.
However, Lund, who made only his second league appearance of 2015 at Burton Albion on Saturday, is only looking forward and hopes for better luck this campaign.
He said: “It’s great to be back. It feels like a very long time when you’re out.
“It’s good to be back playing and hopefully I can stay fit for the rest of the season.
“It was frustrating being injured, especially when the lads have been doing well – I just wanted to be out there helping them and to keep the good form going.”
The Mancunian midfielder completed 90 minutes against Manchester United in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Wednesday and went straight into Keith Hill’s starting 11 at Burton.
Despite Dale’s defeat, Lund’s return to action was more successful than his last comeback that saw the former Northern Irish under-21 international see red at Gillingham in April.
More injury frustration followed in July this year as the former Stoke City man sustained a knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Blackburn Rovers that required surgery.
Prior to his setbacks, Lund had been a key figure in Rochdale’s success over the last two years, racking up 10 goals in 54 Dale appearances.
Lund is upbeat about Rochdale’s prospects this season and believes home form will be the key to any success this season.
“It will also be good to get back to Spotland,” he said.
“We need to make that place a fortress this year and pick up points there.”
Rochdale gaffer Keith Hill showed his faith in Lund returning to that form by handing him a one-year contract extension in July to keep him at Spotland until July 2017.
Now Lund will be looking to repay that faith, whilst trying to force his way back into the Northern Ireland equation with strong performances in the heart of Dale’s midfield.
