MISSING from action since he sustained an injury against Preston last November, Dejan Stefanovic says he's raring to go ahead of the 2009-10 City campaign.

The Serbian damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments in the Canaries' 2-2 draw with North End at Carrow Road - Norwich fans witnessed the defender leave the pitch on a stretcher after he clashed with opposition striker Stephen Elliot in the eighth minute.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Stefanovic said his rehabilitation back to fitness had gone well: "I'm feeling ok, it's been a difficult time over the last six months to be honest," he said. "But I've done extra work with the two physios and I've been in the gym, and now I can't wait for the pre-season."

The experienced player makes it clear not being involved in match action has been a frustrating experience: "It's been a difficult time, but I'm a mentally strong person anyway - this is my first major injury in my football career, but I'm totally ready now.

"I've been doing all sorts of things in the gym and I've been outside with the ball and the phsyios and I saw the specialist yesterday who gave me the green light so I can go ahead now. It's just such a shame I couldn't take part last season, over the past seven months, but that's football. I cope with that and now I'm looking forward to next season.

"I don't think my age makes a difference, I've done very well. It's been seven months and I'm ready to play, simple as that."

With the start of pre-season less than a month away, the 34-year-old looked to the future and told First News of his hopes: "I hope to stay here for another year and help this club get back to the Championship. It's going to take hard work, quality and with new players coming to the Club, we'll go from there."