Duff joined Burnley from Cheltenham for �30,000 in 2004

The full-back, who was injured during the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Turf Moor, has now returned to full fitness seven months ahead of schedule.

The Northern Ireland international, 29, told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's just nice to put the pads on.

"Emotions are up and down and you think you might not play again."

Duff is not expected to feature against Watford at Turf Moor this Saturday despite playing his first competitive match for five months in the reserves this week.

"Training is great and a few months ago I would have loved to have just been training but the games are where it's important and I've got to get as many games in as I can in the next couple of weeks."

I think the injury will have made me a better professional, I think you can take things for granted Burnley full-back Michael Duff

Duff was expected to be out for 12 months but a planned second operation on his damaged cartilage was cancelled when the surgeon discovered it had started to heal itself.

"Luckily I had the good news and I could readjust all my goals and start again, going into the second operation the cruciate had started to attach itself and it was attaching in exactly the right place."

The former Cheltenham defender admits he has a completely different outlook on football now.

"I think the injury will have made me a better professional, you can take things for granted a little bit.

"Now I come in early and do some work stretching and strengthening my legs up and then do more in the gym afterwards, it's just something I have to do."