Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz has revealed that he was surprised to play 45 minutes against Southampton on his return to the squad after a month-long injury layoff.

The 27-year-old had been absent since Fulham's 3-1 defeat to Sunderland in November but while he was pleased to be playing again, he was disappointed that the Cottagers let slip a one-goal lead against the Saints.

Ruiz told the club's official website: "I was really pleased to be back in the side and to play 45 minutes but I was disappointed with the result. We knew we needed to win and we couldn't do it.

"At half time they said I was going on and I was surprised. I was happy to play again and they just told me the position I needed to play in and what I had to do on the pitch.

"We started the second half well but then Southampton were playing long balls and it became more difficult for us."

Ruiz could step up his comeback by featuring in Fulham's match with Swansea City on Saturday.