Tottenham captain Ledley King has revealed his determination to stay fit and impress England boss Fabio Capello before the next international break.
King, 27, made his first appearance of the season in Boxing Day's win over Fulham following knee surgery in the summer and a niggling recent thigh problem.
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 Capello.
"It is an exciting time, and I am no different to any player - I want to impress the new (England) manager," said King.
"I want to stay healthy - and once I have got a number of games under my belt then I can start to think about that."
Plenty has happened at White Hart Lane since King started his recovery from surgery - a change of manager and an emphasis on improving fitness and losing weight under Tottenham boss Juande Ramos.
Weight has never been an issue with King - it has been a string of injuries starting with the metatarsal complaint that ruled him out of the last World Cup.
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."
Playing such little football in the last year has raised doubts over whether King can play more than a match a week. But he is relishing the challenge of getting as much football under his belt as possible.
"The only way to really know if you are ready is if you get out there and play," he added.
"I've done a fair bit of training and have been champing at the bit to get out there.
"The Christmas period is hectic. It is tough to come back at a period like this when I have been out for so long, so there is no problem with the knee. But whether three games in six days is too much, we'll have to decide."
Robbie Keane celebrated his 100th Premier League goal when he netted his second against Fulham.
The 27-year-old was kicking his heels for three matches after a suspension and could have reached his ton at the weekend but for Arsenal's crossbar and Manuel Almunia's penalty save.
He is still on a fine run of 29 goals in his last 40 Spurs appearances.
"It feels like I was on 98 for ages now," he said.
"I am delighted to be able to go into the new year with 100 goals - and to do it at a club like Tottenham makes it even more special."
Source : www.football365.com
