"Without the support of the manager I'd have been left in a hole and probably faded away. If you don't have the backing of your manager and team-mates then you're lost," said Kewell.
"I went home to my family and they were supportive as well. I'm not a very nice person when I'm injured and I know that better than anyone. It was difficult but the people I care about the most stood behind me and I'm thankful for that.
"Players who have been there and done it know you can come back stronger and that's what I'm aiming for now.
"If I want to repay the manager back then I have to start scoring more goals for him and for the team. I want to do the things I know I'm capable of doing. That's what is driving me on.
"I'm loving it at the moment. It's nice to be able to go out there on to the pitch and know you don't have to think about your groin all the time. I can concentrate on the football and that's great. I feel fitter and stronger than I have for a while so things are going well for me. Long may it continue."