Newcastle United wing-back Jamal Lewis has broken his silence about the injury nightmare he endured.
The defender managed to get through 90 minutes for Northern Ireland against Finland over the weekend.
Given the groin and hamstring issues that sidelined him for so long, Lewis is just glad to be back playing.
Asked about his mental state, per Chronicle Live, he stated: "100%, there have been dark days.
"I've had a tough time over the last couple of years or so just with injuries and health and finally my body's in a good place. I'm ready to play but unfortunately I'm not getting the game time I would probably like at Newcastle.
"Coming away with my national team is always a pleasure and I'm happy that Michael O'Neill put trust in me even though I haven't got the minutes in my legs so I'm just happy to get on the pitch."
"Obviously football is all glitz and glamour but it's the darker side or the psychological side of football that is not talked about as much as it probably should be," he added.
It's been difficult going from playing week in, week out at Norwich to not playing and then getting injured and having a tricky injury that I can't really get on top of, which can play a very negative part in your mental being and everything.
But to get on top of it, I'm just looking forward now and I'm really optimistic about my future and my career and hopefully everything can go into an upward trajectory."