Last Updated: Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:11
Jimmy Bullard's world famous knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman is backing the midfielder to return stronger than ever before.
The Tigers record signing is eyeing a first-team comeback against his former club Fulham next weekend after successfully coming through a 45 minute workout for the reserves earlier this week.
Bullard is making his way back from the second serious knee injury of his career and on both occasions, he has been treated by Steadman.
The midfielder's latest spell on the sidelines came about on his City debut against West Ham and has kept him out of action for seven and half months.
Steadman said: "He has been so conscientious and a pleasure to treat. He's level with anyone I have worked with.
"The first time he came to me his knee had gone 90 degrees in the wrong direction. The question was if he could come back from such a bad injury and he proved he could.
"This time we made a new ligament and it was very successful. We took a donated ligament from a dead male.
He added: "He is ready now. The knee will get stronger the more he plays and he deserves some luck. I really like Jimmy, he is such an outgoing person.
"But it would be nice if I didn't have to see him for a long time!"
Bullard for his part is desperate to repay the club and the fans who have been so patience with him.
He added: "I owe Hull. I know that. This is an ambitious club, they showed me that from the start. I want to pay them back.
"I know there are people out there thinking that I probably won't get back playing with a knee like this, but I ain't worried. I just want to play."
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