DAVID Thompson has revealed how happy he is to be back doing what he does best.

And that's not just setting up goals like he did for Brett Emerton's winner against Charlton on Monday - it's winding up his team-mates as well.

"It was a good cross and Brett finished it well, although I told him he only had to stick out his head and let the ball bounce off it," said Thompson. "But he's having none of that.

"It's great to be part of that banter again. That's one of the things I missed most when I was laid up for most of the past two years.

"I love a laugh and joke with the lads. I'm a great leg-puller, but it's hard to be fully involved in that sort of thing when you're hobbling round on crutches!"

The Charlton win was only Thompson's second start of the season -- he broke a bone in his foot 10 minutes into the Manchester United game in August and was out for another 12 weeks before making seven sub appearances since mid-November.

Thompson added: "I was pleased that I was able to keep going for as long as I did, and to get an assist for the goal.

"It has been an incredibly frustrating time for me but what can you do? You either sit and mope or get on with it, and I've never been one to sit around feeling sorry for myself.

"I have managed to keep my spirits up most of the time by reminding myself how great it would feel to be back - and I wasn't exaggerating.

"It feels so good just to pull your boots on again, and when the boss told me I was starting against Charlton I was practically bouncing off the walls!

"The gaffer has handled me well. I have been impatient to play, but he wanted to make sure I took as much time as it needed to get over my problems before pushing me back in.

"My future is what counts now, not what has gone on in the past. I'm in the process of resurrecting my career, and that is an exciting challenge for me."