The Magician!!

By The Nark End
February 12 2010

Mikel Arteta has indicated he wants to play as much as he can...

Mikel Arteta has declared: 'bring on the games' as he returns to full fitness.

The Spaniard was handed his first start since recovering from a serious knee injury for Everton's 2-1 win over Chelsea, lasting for 73 minutes before being replaced by Jack Rodwell.

But Marouane Fellaini's absence and upcoming games against Sportin Lisbon and Mikel Arteta mean the midfielder is likely to remain an key figure over the next couple of weeks.

"It's all coming thick and fast but that is the only way to get back," Arteta said.

"They are both tough games, but that's what you want to get fit - to play the full 90 minutes and get into the condition I want."

Arteta had no ill-effects from the troublesome knee problem that kept him out for almost a year and admitted that he's savouring every second on the pitch after the agonising absence.

"It's been a long year for me, but my knee feels great and my voice is good...but I don't know about how I will feel on Thursday!" he smiled.

"The manager said he wanted me to build up slowly, and then eventually try and play a full game. And then suddenly he said, 'You are playing tonight' - so I had to get ready!

"It's been a really tough time," he continued. "So I have missed playing all games not just the big ones. And to have the chance to play - even though I know there is still a lot to come - it was a great pleasure and I really appreciate the confidence from the manager."