Crystal Palace’s forgotten man Neil Danns has labelled 2008 the “darkest year” of his life after making his first start in 11 months on Saturday.

The midfielder has endured a torrid time with injuries since completing a £600,000 move from Birmingham City last January, featuring just eight times in an Eagles shirt and having operations on both his abductors.

However, the 26-year-old is finally nearing full fitness and played the whole 90 minutes against Leicester City, only the second time he has gone the distance for Palace.

“It’s been the darkest year of my life 2008,” said the Liverpudlian.

“I haven’t had many injuries at all in my career apart from the last year since I came to Palace, before that I played more than 70 games in two years.

“It’s probably been the worst year of my career but you’ve just got to be strong, there are people in worse situations than me so I can’t really complain about life.

“It has been tough but now hopefully I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and I can kick on from there.”

Danns is now concentrating on completing his rehabiliation and has targetted a first team spot to help the Eagles push for promotion to the Premiership.

He said: “That’s the first start I’ve had in nearly a year so obviously I’m not going to be at my peak condition.

“Before the game I was nervous and wondering if I was ready for 90 minutes against a team who are flying but I’ve proved to myself I can do it and now I can kick on and get to the next level and start showing everyone what I am about.

“I will only get better now and then I can show Palace why I was signed and hopefully start competing for a regular first team spot.

“I just want to get myself fully fit and games like that help me along the way so hopefully I can kick on and start pushing for a place and help Palace get to the Premiership.”