After returning from a long lay-off against Zebre last Sunday, Munster's Chris Farrell is itching to get further game time in both the Champions Cup and Pro14.
An Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury picked up at an Ireland training camp last March saw Farrell on the sidelines. It was a frustrating time for the centre as he had hoped to return to action much earlier than the recent Pro14 victory away to the Italian opposition.
"After eight and half months of not being on the pitch it was great just to get out there," Farrell told RTÉ Sport.
"It's great to get the buzz back of preparing for a game and anticipating your arrival on the pitch."
As for those false dawns during his recovery time, the 25-year-old added: "Those rehabs programmes are never simple. At times you think you're ready to resume and then something happens.
"I'm delighted I got there in under nine months.
"All the internationals are back. There is so much depth and quality in the Munster squad now. You have to have that hunger to get on the pitch now."
Crucial games for Munster are now on the horizon and Farrell is determined to play his part.
"We have a tough period coming up that includes two games back to back against Castres in the Champions Cup, massively competitive derbies over the Christmas and then more Champions Cup games in January. It will be a test of the depth quality of the squad.
"I feel like I have done everything I can to be competitive and to be as good as I can.
"Before that we have Edinburgh at home (Pro14) on Friday.
"It will be a completely different game to the one we had last weekend - playing on the 4G compared to the silt and sand we had over in Italy. Hopefully I will be involved and get a chance to show some dynamism."
