Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton is eager to get back to playing first-team football following an eight-month lay-off. The Australia international is close to full fitness following cruciate ligament surgery in February.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It was the first major injury of my career and it took time to sink in.

"It's been a good road to recovery. I feel fit and strong and as good as ever," the 30-year-old added.

"I thought I'd just twisted my knee at first. It wasn't until the following day that I went for a scan and found out that it was my cruciate.

"I was very surprised at first that it was something so serious."

The former Feyenoord player admitted it was a frustrating time having to experience his team-mates fight relegation from halfway around the world.

"I hated every minute of it. The boys did a fantastic job at the back end of last season," he said.

"I went home for the surgery and spent two months in Australia. I didn't watch too many of the games to be honest because I couldn't bear to.

"The boys dug in and put in some great performances and I thank them for that because now we get to play in the Premier League again."