NEKOUNAM CONFIDENT OF RETURN

Sportinglife - Iran international Javad Nekounam is convinced he will overcome his serious knee injury in time to play for Osasuna before the end of the season.

Nekounam has been sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury since August, and while the 27-year-old midfielder does not know when he will be fit to return, he is confident it will be this season.

"I am doing everything that I can do to get back to my best level. I cannot say when I am going to reappear, only that I'm sure that I'm going to play this season," he said.

"Now I am calm, I know that the recuperation takes time, although it is true that for me I would play tomorrow."

Nekounam also spoke of his gratitude to both his team-mates and Osasuna for their support during his rehabilitation.

"They have all given me their support," said Nekounam, who in November extended his contract with Osasuna until 2011.

"I have always wanted to be here and that is why I renewed my contract. The club have given me their support and everybody has shown their warmth. For me this is very important."