Vince Grella admits personal pride has been at stake in a tough introduction to English football as he bids to banish memories of his toughest ever career spell.
Rovers' tough-tackling Australian has promised fans his best is yet to come after coming through an injury hell that has left him frustrated at Ewood.
Since his £4million switch from Italian outfit Torino, a succession of injuries have left him able to make just six appearances all season.
But Grella believes Saturday's impressive second-half cameo in the 3-0 win over Newcastle was the start of better things to come though as he looks to repay the faith shown in him.
He said: "I am just happy to be on the pitch. It has been a very awkward start to my career but I think I can turn it around.
"I have worked probably harder in the last four months than I have in my whole career before. Personal pride has been at stake and I was doing everything I could to get fit again.
"I have had great support from the club, from the chairman to the medical staff to the coaching staff and it feels great to be back out there again."
While back in first-team contention, the Australian international insists he is yet to hit full fitness and believes that will only come with matches.
The 29-year-old is expected to start Saturday's FA Cup fourth round trip to Sunderland, as boss Sam Allardyce looks to hand key players some vital match practice.
Grella added: "I am not 100 per cent yet. Between 75 per cent and getting 100 per cent you can only get there by matches and being involved on a Saturday.
"I thank everyone at the club for all their help. They have been so thorough with me.
"We have had a few little hiccups along the way in my rehab and I have seen how much they take to their job and how every day they throw new things at me to keep me mentally there.
"It does become a mental thing of thing when you have been injured. They have been fantastic to me.
"The last few months has felt like six years. Trying to settle in my family in a new country and not being able to play has made me very frustrated."
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