Birmingham central defender Scott Dann believes he is finally approaching full match fitness after undergoing groin surgery in the summer.
Dann had to wait until late September to make his debut against Hull following his summer move from Coventry City.
He has made himself a key member of the Blues' back four alongside Roger Johnson during a nine-game unbeaten run.
But Dann, who three years ago was playing non-league football for Redditch and Hednesford, insists only now does he feel he is close to complete sharpness.
Dann said: "I'm fit - but not as fit as I can be - but I am getting there. I've played a lot of games recently and I'm getting fitter with each game.
"My performances have been improving and I've become more confident.
"Before the game at Hull, I hadn't played for five or six months with the summer and also missing a little bit of action at the end of last season.
"Full fitness doesn't come overnight so you've just got to keep working away."
