Scott Allan admits he is desperate to return to Hibernian's matchday squad after resuming training as he stepped up his comeback from a mystery illness.
The 29-year-old has not featured in a Hibs' matchday squad since August when it was revealed he was undergoing tests for an "undisclosed medical issue," forcing him to miss more than three months of action.
Hopes of a return to action have been raised in recent weeks after images from the Hibees' East Mains training base showed Allan being put through his paces with the first team squad.
Manager Jack Ross said any matchday involvement was a long way off, but Allan told HibsTV he was looking forward to being fit and ready to go after a long period on the sidelines.
"It's all the little things, even the warm up, the changing room, those were the things i missed over the last few months," he told 'The Match" in the build up to the Easter Road side's clash with Dundee United.
"So getting to kick a ball about again especially with people you've become really close to over the past few years, I've just been delighted."
Allan admitted having to watch from the sidelines as the men in green and white surged up the Scottish Premiership table has been tough, with no date yet set for his return.
The Hibees return to Hampden next month for a meeting with St Johnstone in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup and while that will come far too soon for the midfield talisman, he is working hard to make his return in green and white.
He added: "I've missed the day to day so much, once you stop playing, I've spoken before, I've got a really good connection with the club and it has been hard but I just can't wait to get going again.
"I had two weeks reconditioning because it had been a substantial time out. It's basically a mini pre-season, all the stuff you don't like so much but since Monday I've been back on the pitch and doing things I love.
"I just can't wait to get back in again."
