Jake Buxton is desperate to put his four month injury nightmare behind him.
The defender got his first outing in Derby County's pre-season campaign in last night's Bass Charity Vase final victory over Burton Albion.
He came on as a 2nd half substitute at the Pirelli Stadium and is set to feature for the Rams' reserves at Solihull on Friday evening.
Buxton last appeared for the Rams back in March because of an ongoing groin problem, but it was only in late June that the injury was finally diagnosed.
That resulted in surgery, with Buxton going under the knife on 29 June.
After returning to action, Buxton says he is chomping at the bit to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
"It felt good to be back out there," he told dcfc.co.uk after the 3-1 victory over his former club.
"I suppose it was like the first day of school, you are a little weary and don't know what the outcome is going to be.
"No matter how much training and gym work you do, nothing compares to stepping out on that pitch and playing in a match situation.
"The competition (Bass Charity Vase) may not mean too much to a lot of people, but to me it was one of the biggest games I've had for a long time.
"I had to prove to the manager and myself that I am fit again because it has been a long, ongoing situation."
Buxton now has his mind set on being physically fit for the opening game of the season at Leeds United next Saturday.
"My body has to get used to playing at that (match situation) sort of pace again," he said.
"The Championship will be four times as fast so I have to get sharper and build up my match fitness.
"I am looking to step it up at Solihull with a half or maybe an hour, and then all being well 90 minutes at Belper next Tuesday.
"Solihull will be a good test for me; I don't expect to play on Saturday against Birmingham to be honest.
"I am just focused on getting physically fit for the opening game of the season at Leeds.
"I am so eager get back, but I have to put the reigns on and be careful.
"The sort of person I am, I want to run before I can walk!
"We are lightweight at centre-half and that is what is pushing me to get back quickly.
"With a few more games hopefully I will be fit for the Leeds game."
