Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell admits he feared for his career last season.

Sidwell joined Fulham from Aston Villa in January 2011 but was plagued by a persistent hernia complaint for much of his first full season at Craven Cottage.

"It was a really dark time for me last season. I felt like I'd never kick a ball again," Sidwell told Fulham's official website.

"I'm feeling all good now, all good, and I'm just really pleased to be back out on the pitch.

"Just to be back with the lads and just training has been great. Getting game time has been another good thing. I got a little knock on the first game but other than that, I was fine.

"That's what friendlies are for - you get a few knocks here and there and you just get on with it and it's good to come through it feeling like this."