Clinton Njie can see light at the end of the tunnel on his road to recovery.

The Cameroon international, 22, underwent surgery to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in early December, having sustained the injury during our Europa League victory over Monaco.

By his own admission, it came as a cruel blow for a young man who had only been in English football for a matter of months at the time.

But having recently started some fitness work outdoors once again, the summer signing from Lyon is raring to get back into action and bring an extra attacking dimension to our team during what looks set to be a thrilling last few weeks of the season.

“I think it’s important for me to come back and join the team because they’re doing a great job,” said the rapid attacker, who has made 11 substitute appearances in all competitions, plus two starts in the Europa League, in our colours so far.

“It’s very difficult for any injured player - it’s been about three months since I was injured and it’s been tough but I’ve been working very, very hard with the doctors and medical staff to get myself fit.

“It’s important that I’m still hungry, I still want to play and I still want to prove to the fans what I can do so, for me, I just want to get back fit and do a good job.

“Mentally it hasn’t been easy but it happens, so I’ve just been looking forward to coming back stronger. I can see the good job the guys are doing and I can’t wait to get back onto the pitch and be part of it.”

Below: Clinton feels his knee against Monaco

Clinton has been joined in the treatment room in recent weeks by Belgian international centre-half Jan Vertonghen, who also suffered knee ligament damage in our 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on January 23.

Having a respected, senior player working on his recovery alongside him has come as a boost to Clinton, although he says the entire squad has rallied around him and driven him forward on the comeback trail.

“Since Jan got injured he’s been there for me and trying to encourage me,” added the attacker. “He’s in a similar situation to me but all the players have been really good and I really appreciate that.

“Not only the players - the gaffer, all the staff, everyone has been there to encourage me and to tell me that they want me to be back as fast as possible. That’s been great encouragement for me to work harder towards my objectives.”