Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien admits getting over his injury problems this season wasn't the toughest period in his career.

The Ghana ace was outstanding against Liverpool last night.

With six appearances since returning, including just under an hour at Newcastle, Essien is happy with developments, and can understand why he is looked upon as a new signing.

"I am very fit and feeling strong," he smiled. "It's good, I worked hard to come back to this level of fitness and of course I always go out and do my best for the team.

"It was the hardest part of my career but it was one of those things, it is part of the game, you have to accept it and work hard to come back."