Blackburn midfielder Vince Grella has endured a tough start to his English Premier League career. The Socceroos hard man has been put back by several injuries since he crossed to the Rovers from Italian club Torino but a second-half substitution against Newcastle on the weekend was a nice reward.

Grella is now just looking to get back to full fitness and helping the Rovers in their survival quest.

"I am just happy to be on the pitch. It has been a very awkward start to my career but I think I can turn it around," he said.

"I have worked probably harder in the last four months than I have in my whole career before. Personal pride has been at stake and I was doing everything I could to get fit again.

"I have had great support from the club, from the chairman to the medical staff to the coaching staff and it feels great to be back out there again.

"I am not 100 per cent yet. Between 75 per cent and getting 100 per cent you can only get there by matches and being involved on a Saturday."

The 29-year old also praised the medical staff at the club for putting up with him.

"I thank everyone at the club for all their help. They have been so thorough with me," he added.

"We have had a few little hiccups along the way in my rehab and I have seen how much they take to their job and how every day they throw new things at me to keep me mentally there.

"It does become a mental thing of thing when you have been injured. They have been fantastic to me.

"The last few months has felt like six years. Trying to settle in my family in a new country and not being able to play has made me very frustrated."