Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson feared his career may be over after suffering a serious knee injury last year.
The 31-year-old made his comeback for the Fir Park club as a substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Livingston been sidelined since February 2025.
A first operation failed to resolve the issue, with Nicholson saying his return was "quite emotional".
The former Hearts player added: "I was at a point where I was thinking I might not play again. Getting back on the pitch, it's a great feeling.
"Two surgeries later, it was a complicated injury, but I feel great now, so I'm just looking to push on now.
"It's been a long road, very stressful, very hard, but I'm just delighted to be on the other end of it now."
Nicholson was introduced after 65 minutes, with Motherwell in control thanks to a first-half double from Tawanda Maswanhise.
"Because I've been out for a wee while, there were times where I couldn't catch my breath," he said.
"A couple of stray passes, which is normal, but I'm absolutely delighted to be back. I've been watching the team all year in the stands and it's nice football.
"I want to be involved, so it's a road to get back into the team now."
Nicholson admits there were some dark days in 11 months out and that got him considering life without football.
He explained: "There has been times where I've been thinking, what am I going to do if this is it for me? It's been hard to sort of try and not be a bad person as well. You know, your head's in a bad place.
"I know football's a short career regardless. You want to stay at the top level as long as you can. I'm enjoying being at Motherwell. I've grown a great feeling for the club.
"I just want to stay involved as long as possible and contribute in any way I can."
Nicholson, who had spells with Colorado and Minnesota in the MLS, praised the way Motherwell have helped him come through such a difficult period.
"I think when you're out injured and it's a new manager as well, it's important to go to the games and see how they play," he said. "See if you can fit in, where you can try and help the team.
"My team-mates have been brilliant with me. The club management and staff have been really good the whole way through, always checking in on me. Checking on mental wellbeing as well as physical, which is huge nowadays."
