Tottenham captain Ledley King was delighted with his comeback in their 5-1 Boxing Day victory over Fulham.
The centre-half's next aim is to get a run of games and to be part of the new England set-up under new boss Fabio Capello.
He had knee surgery that summer and suffered feet problems, which ruled him out for four months last season before he had another operation at the end of the campaign.
"I want to stay injury free and get a whole season behind me and under my belt and show what I can do," he said.
"It always seems as though I am playing with an injury or coming back from one, and I think my play has suffered as a result."
King announced his comeback with a series of well-timed tackles against Fulham, before being given a breather with 17 minutes remaining of the 5-1 rout.
"I'm pretty relieved to come through unscathed," he said.
"It's been more than six months since my last game and it has been a frustrating time. But I've been through these injury problems before and I've just tried to remain positive.
"A lot of people have helped me through - the physios, family, everyone - and I always believed I would be back playing to my highest level.
"It's difficult. You are obviously going to have those days when it hits you a bit. But that is what team-mates are for - they pick you up, and you pick each other up at difficult times."
