FARID EL ALAGUI reckons he has timed his comeback to perfection as Hibernian go into the campaign home-straight bidding for league and cup glory.
The 30-year-old has suffered a frustrating first season at Easter Road, having ruptured his Achilles tendon in the 2-1 defeat to Alloa Athletic back in August.
Following surgery, the French-born Moroccan has endured a lengthy recovery programme and has grown increasingly impatient in recent weeks as he has inched closer to a first-team return.
The former Falkirk marksman is finally expected to feature for Alan Stubbs' outfit this afternoon against Raith Rovers as they try to bounce back from Sunday's defeat to Rangers.
El Alagui is delighted he is back in time to play his part in what he hopes will be a successful climax to what has been a difficult season for him personally.
With a Scottish Cup semi-final against Falkirk next month and an expected promotion play-off tilt, he said: "It's been tough watching games, especially sitting in the stand at the start. That was very frustrating.
"But since then the team has done very well and I have enjoyed watching them more - but it's not something you get used to.
"There are times you see something and you just want to get out there on the pitch and help them.
"I have left the boys to do all the hard work and it was the winter as well, so it was a bit cold to be playing!
"Seriously, I think I am coming back at the right time for the team.
"It's good to have everyone fit and hopefully no one will get injured between now and the end of the season. We need everyone to be fully fit.
"Big games are coming along, the semi-final of the cup and the play-offs as well.
"But before that we have to make sure we secure second spot. It will be a good fight with Rangers to try and get there.
"So, we just have to make sure we get things right and then go into the play-offs full of confidence."
El Alagui played his first full 90 minutes in seven months when he scored in a 3-2 defeat for Hibs' under-20s outfit against Celtic on Tuesday.
However, the Bordeaux-born striker, who netted four times in six games for Hibs before his injury, admits he will only feel genuinely back when he experiences the joy of hitting the back of the net again at top-team level.
He added: "I managed to score for the reserves but that was a bit different. I just can't wait to score for the first-team and hit the net again, and have that feeling.
"That's what I have missed the most.
"We will see how long it takes for me to get back to my best - I will tell you when it happens.
"I hope I will be really fit when I get back into the first-team, that's why I have been working hard with the physios.
"We are making sure I do everything right to be as sharp as I can. I hope from now to the end of the season I will be sharp."
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