Etienne Esajas has spoke of his delight at resuming first team duty after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a broken toe.

To see the full video click here

The 24-year-old is now looking to regain his match fitness over the three remaining fixtures, starting this weekend against league strugglers Southampton.

He told Wednesday World: "First team football is what you aim for and now I'm back I'm really happy.

"We need to win some games, we've been playing some good football in our last couple of games but not picked up the points."

The Saints are battling to avoid the drop to League One, currently 23rd in the division, but Esajas knows the pressure they are under and expects them to come to Hillsborough fighting.

"Southampton have been struggling but they will be coming here looking for nothing but a win," he said.

"We were in that position last year and there's big pressure because you don't want to go down. We need to be focused because they are going to give us everything they have."

The Dutchman played 76 minutes against QPR on Monday and is hopeful of another start against the Saints on Saturday, in order to finish what has been a difficult season for him on a high.

He continued: "I've been out for three months and it's almost the end of the season but I'm back and want to make the most of the last few games.

"I felt I did really well in the first few months of the season, then I got this injury but now I just want to get back. I know I can do much better than what I have been able to do this year - by next season I want my fitness levels to be high, stay away from injury and give it everything."