Emerton is Rovers' longest-serving player, after joining in 2003

Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton has admitted he is desperate to get back to playing first-team football following an eight-month lay-off.

The Australia international is close to full fitness following cruciate ligament surgery in February.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It was the first major injury of my career and it took time to sink in.

"It's been a good road to recovery. I feel fit and strong and as good as ever," the 30-year-old added.

"I thought I'd just twisted my knee at first. It wasn't until the following day that I went for a scan and found out that it was my cruciate.

"I was very surprised at first that it was something so serious."

The former Feyenoord player began his rehabilitation in Australia and has admitted it was a frustrating time having to experience his team-mates fight relegation from halfway around the world.

"I hated every minute of it. The boys did a fantastic job at the back end of last season," he said.

"I went home for the surgery and spent two months in Australia. I didn't watch too many of the games to be honest because I couldn't bear to.

"The boys dug in and put in some great performances and I thank them for that because now we get to play in the Premier League again."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version