Jason Steele has said that it is "great to be fit again" ahead of his return to the Middlesbrough lineup.
The 23-year-old hasn't featured since November because of an ankle problem but is now ready to return against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday as Shay Given's loan has finished at the Riverside.
"It's been very hard to sit and watch, especially with a nasty injury that needed operating on," Steele told BBC Tees.
"I don't like watching and have avoided going to some games as I get too nervous. It's great to be fit again."
Steele hasn't been seen much by Boro manager Aitor Karanka, who took over just before Steele was sidelined last year.
"I certainly haven't got off to the best of starts under the new gaffer - he's barely even seen me train," Steele added.
"It's been a shame that I've only been able to spend two weeks with Shay as well. He's one of my boyhood idols and I value the little bits of advice I got from him."
Steele has been first-choice keeper on Teesside since making his debut in 2010, making 141 appearances for the club.
Pascal Lemesre
