Steve Sidwell, Fulham

Steve Sidwell has recovered from a hernia operation

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell insists that he is fully fit to play again.

The 29-year-old returned to pre-season training this week after a hernia problem made him miss the last four months of the season.

“It’s been tough, I’ve been in all summer,” he told the official website. “I had a bit of a break with the missus and kids as soon as last season ended but I’ve been here pretty much the whole summer getting fit and it’s paid off.

“We’re in our first week of pre-season training now and I’ve felt good. There will probably be a few little niggles here and there but the surgeon said that’s completely natural. I feel like I’m on par with the rest of the lads fitness-wise.

“It was tough coming in when everyone else was off. It’s the first time I’ve had to do that. I’m not someone who usually gets injured so to be in when everyone else is on a break is difficult. You’re doing the work on your own as well which is hard but the fitness lads were first class. Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards from now on.”