Danny Gabbidon has suffered a number of setbacks while out injured

West Ham and Wales defender Danny Gabbidon says he hopes he is finally back on the road to recovery.

Gabbidon, 29, has not played a first team game for the Hammers since 12 December 2007.

But the former Cardiff full-back, who has 40 caps for his country, hopes his back and groin injury nightmare is coming to an end at last.

"I've got to keep that positive mindset and hopefully I'll get there," said Gabbidon.

"It's been a long time and it has been quite frustrating. I was hoping to get back a long time ago.

"It's been tough, a few setbacks here and there, I thought I was getting there and then something else happens.

"It wasn't one problem but two or three different things that are quite complicated things and have proved quite hard to get rid off.

606: DEBATE Give your views on Danny Gabbidon's injury problems

"It sounds a bit silly but it may have been better to have had a straightforward injury like a broken leg or something like that, as you know when you might come back."

Gabbidon, who was named Hammers player of the year after his first full season in 2006, has been undergoing extensive rehabilitation work as he bids to get his career back on track.

But the one-time Wales captain does not know exactly when he will return, but is determined to make an impact when he does.

"It's been going okay the last few weeks and I've started to increase some of the stuff I've been doing," he told the West Ham website.

"I know the back is better than it was before and I can make a few targets and goals now.

"Hopefully in a month I may be running and closer to training and then I can incorporate a few more targets and goals into my programme.

"It's good when you can see yourself progressing, you get more confident and positive and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can keep progressing.

"Then I'll take it week by week, and month by month."

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