FOUR weeks after waking from an induced coma, Nick Stavroulakis is confident he will overcome the biggest challenge of his career and return to the football field.

The Sydney United 58 defensive midfielder burst a blood vessel in his brain and fell unconscious shortly after heading a ball during his side’s FFA Cup win over APIA Leichhardt Tigers early this month.

Placed in an induced coma after undergoing surgery, he awoke within five hours, immediately asking if his side had won.

media_camera Stavroulakis in action for Sydney United 58 in their match against Blacktown City. Picture: Football NSW

Now the former Australia youth international is recovering at home, unable to drive or perform any strenuous activity, but is confident of making a full recovery after up to six months of rehabilitation.

“They said after a six-week period I can start training on my own with some light stuff,” he said.

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“I’m already chomping at the bit. It’s only been four weeks but I am the type of person that never sits down.

“I believe every hurdle in front of you can be overcome.”

media_camera Stavroulakis in action for former side Sutherland Sharks media_camera Nick Stavroulakis with Socceroo Tim Cahill in 2008.

“At the moment my next hurdle is getting that green light to start running again and on my way to getting back on the pitch.

“A lot of people have told me to be hesitant because it is a big injury, but if I get the green light from the surgeon then I am going back.”

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Stavroulakis, 29, was inundated with support after the incident, with more than 50 people waiting for him when he was in the Intensive Care Unit at Liverpool Hospital.

Socceroo Mark Milligan was one of Stavroulakis’ friends and family who was at his bedside throughout the ordeal.

media_camera Sydney United 58 FC fans put up a banner in support of injured midfielder Nick Stavroulakis prior to their match against the South Coast Wolves. Picture: Football NSW

Stavroulakis remembers the entire match leading up to the incident but admitted it was a scary time for him and his family.

“I went to clear a corner and the ball hit the top of my head and I felt a bit dizzy after it,” he said.

“Five or 10 minutes later I just fell to my knees and it all happened.

“I had my brother (Mark) next to me the whole time, he was there in the dressing room with me and got in the ambulance.

media_camera Stavroulakis cannot wait to get back on the pitch. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

“He was talking to me the whole time and trying to keep me awake.”

Stavroulakis said he will listen to the doctors’ instructions, but said he was eager to continue his project at Sydney United 58.

“It is like a family, all the boys look out for each other and you can tell there is something special going to happen,” he said.

“I’m committed to the club on a two-year deal and I will see that out until the end.”

■ Nick Stavroulakis met with his surgeon on Friday for the first time after his operation

■ The surgeon told him he will be able to return to football after extensive rehabilitation

■ Rehabilitation is expected to take between five and six months, with a possibility of a return during the National Premier League NSW men’s 1 finals series or preparation for the 2016 season