Even by his own injury- ravaged standards, the last two years have been particularlyfrustrating for George Ndah.
The chief inspiration of Wolverhampton Wanderers' run to the play-offs two years ago, it all started to go sour for Ndah in the semi-final first-leg against Reading.
A knee problem which eventually required surgery cost him his place both in the second leg and the final. And then it just got worse.
Throughout Wolves' season in the Premiership and this season's frustrating year back in the Championship, Ndah was hindered by a steady stream of niggling knocks, bumps and bruises.
There could yet be some light at the end of the tunnel, however. A six-week stay at a specialist injury clinic in London recommended by Ade Akinbiyi has had a positive effect. And, having recovered from his latest setback, a thigh muscle injury, Ndah made a successful midweek return to action for Wolves reserves.
It was only a 0-0 draw at the Bucks Head on a Tuesday night against Bolton Wanderers. And he was only allowed half a game. Although it is too soon to expect him to be drafted in for Saturday's trip to Reading, it has prompted hopes that he might still have a future at Molineux under Glenn Hoddle.
Ndah has spent the last year on a contract very much geared towards 'payper-play' terms. But, given what the player is capable of at his best, it is hard to believe that he is not worth the risk of being handed another similar deal for next year.
" Hopefully, Glenn knows my record and knows what I can do," said Ndah. "I still feel confident I can get back to how I was and perform again at this level of football.
"I'd love to stay at Wolves, but that's out of my hands. It's up to the board and management.
"And, if they want me to stay, that would be fantastic.
"I'm just glad to be out there getting back used to doing what I love doing.
"The last six weeks I've spent down in London have been really hard work but now the main thing is not to get too carried away."
