Mario Melchiot insists he is more committed than ever before to Birmingham City's cause and intends to get their season back on track against Bolton Wanderers tonight.
The stylish full-back has only played six games this season because of a knee ligament injury and his absence has left a huge void in the right-back position.
The 29-year-old made a huge impact last season and will be thrown into the fray tonight at St Andrew's after nearly two months on the sidelines.
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It is a crucial game for Birmingham as they seek their first home win of a difficult campaign and the return of Melchiot is a huge plus for Blues manager Steve Bruce.
Melchiot's injury left him kicking his heels in frustration and that was exacerbated with speculation surrounding his future in national newspapers.
However, the Holland international insists he is fully committed to the club and, now he is injury-free, wants to rekindle his scintillating form of last season.
"It really matters to me what the supporters say and that has a big impact on me," said Melchiot.
"They are the people that you hear for 90 minutes. If you are doing well or badly then you will hear them, so these are the people that keep you on your toes.
"I have been away for a long time and I have been disappointed by my injury and where the team are but now I have come back and I am just focused on winning games. That is all I want to do.
"A lot of people have doubts that some of the players aren't happy with the situation and that is why things might go a bit funny, but that isn't the case, as everyone is committed to Birmingham and sticking together.
"We had good and bad times last season and stayed strong and we haven't started this season too well.
"However, as hard as I worked last season, I will work even harder this year."
Melchiot has only appeared in Martin Grainger's testimonial and against Leeds in a reserve game in the last two months, but is adamant he is ready to face the challenge of Bolton's robust style. With so many players back in action after injury, however, he sounded a note of caution.
"The game against Bolton is very important and people will probably fire it up more, as this is the game that a lot of players are coming back," he said.
"But they won't have the time to settle in. If it is one player returning you can sometimes get away with it; but four players coming back in a squad that has been struggling isn't going to be easy.
"Nevertheless, I am ready for that challenge, as this is when you have to step up and show that you can handle it."
He added: "I can't tell you how everyone else thinks but from my point of view I think that no-one is happy losing.
"You feel the same way hurt if you are watching a game and you have lost, as we are all in this together. However, I am back now and can play my part."
It has been a long road for Melchiot back to fitness yet he is convinced he will reap the benefits of a good rehabilitation programme.
He admits that he had to play through the pain barrier
against Liverpool, but eventually it became too much.
"I have worked very hard on my fitness, as there was a time when I don't think everyone knew what the problem was," he said.
"I had to make people understand that it wasn't just a little thing but a very big thing and I needed a lot of time. I went back to the surgeon in Holland who operated on me eight years ago and for me to do that shows that it wasn't really small.
"It happened after 20 minutes against Liverpool. I made two tackles and the position of my body and knee wasn't right.
"Ironically, I had the same problem last season at home against Liverpool, so this time we put a hot water bottle on it at half time to keep it warm.
"I knew it was there but I wouldn't come off."
