Sydney FC s Jason Culina says he will be emotional when called into action on Friday after a two-year campaign to rebuild his damaged body.
The former Socceroos midfielder has not appeared since breaking down with a knee injury while playing for Gold Coast at the end of the 2010/11 season.
Culina underwent two bouts of surgery and an aborted comeback with Newcastle before signing with Sydney in the off-season and continuing an exhausting and painful rehabilitation program.
His time has finally come, with the 32-year-old to be used off the bench when struggling Sydney host Adelaide at Allianz Stadium on Friday.
I had nothing else I could possibly do. Football is the one thing I love, Culina said on Thursday when asked what kept him going.
I ve been a fulltime professional since I was 16. You grow accustomed to doing one thing and when that s taken away from you then you re left with nothing.
It ultimately comes down to how hard you work and how much you want and I wanted it pretty badly.
It was hard and there were doubts but at the back of my mind I knew I d make it back.
I love the game too much to give it up.
Culina is likely to be introduced at half-time or just after the break as the Sky Blues attempt to end a three-match losing streak at high flying Adelaide s expense.
He said: I ve dreamt about this for the past two years. There will be a few tears. It s an emotional time for me.
I will be nervous but once I step over that white line I think instinct kicks back in.
I have belief and trust in the work I ve done. If I had doubt I wouldn t have put my hand up.
Interim Sydney coach Steve Corica, who endured a similar injury setback during his playing career, knows what Culina has been through.
I know how hard he s worked to get himself right, the coach said.
People said he wouldn t play again and he s going to prove them wrong.
He could have (retired) and I think it crossed his mind at one stage but it s testament to him that he s fought his way back.
He s just buzzing around waiting for his chance you can see it in his face.
He s ready for the challenge.
