British & Irish Lion Tom Croft insists his long road to recovery is reaching its end after making his return from injury for Leicester Tigers earlier this month.
Croft made two Test appearances for the Lions this summer but on return to English shores cruelly missed the majority of this season after sustaining a knee injury with the Tigers last September.
But the flanker, who also missed much of last year following damage to his neck, made his return as a substitute against Saracens two weeks ago.
And he is hopeful that the worst of his injury problems will finally be behind him once he starts afresh next season.
“I played my first game back last weekend against Sarries at home and things went well,” he said.
“The lungs were blowing but the knee held out and it was nice to get that first game out of the way before the season ends so I can go into next season, touch wood, with a clean slate and just look forward to playing a few games for the club.”
