Elrich was forced to undergo a knee reconstruction back in September after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Queensland Roar.

It was the second time the player had been forced to endure the agony, suffering the same problem in his other (left) knee earlier in his career.

After five months of hard work he's pulled the boots on again and was reintroduced to the action during Central Coast Mariners' two-game tour of China.

Elrich told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "I'm just buzzing, really buzzing to be honest with you. I feel like a kid again.

"It's great to be out there with the boys and preparing for the Champions League. When I did the knee I knew the ACL was the reward to be gained at the end of it.

"Now I just can't wait to get out there and get into it. I've worked hard, back in exactly five months and a massive thank you has to go to Peter Buffon and Denny Shearwood of the Hills Street Sports Medicine Centre.

"They spent several hours on me each day and I think they've got me back into things in record time.

"The coaching staff and the boys have also been great with their support."

Elrich says a positive outlook has also aided his recovery. He said: "What do you do? You have setbacks, you have injuries in sport. It's how you bounce back that says everything about your character."

And the hard work and hours in the gym haven't stripped Elrich of his sense of humour. "Besides, I've got two new knees now," he joked.

Elrich will continue to work hard in preparation for next week's ACL opener against Pohang Steelers at Bluetongue Stadium.

"It's exciting. Exciting for me and exciting for the club. It's a new challenge and one we want to rise to," he said

The former Wellington Phoenix man admits a good start is crucial. He said: "You want to pick up results away but I think your home home is massive. You have to be winning your home games. We want to get off to the best start we can."

The Mariners face Steelers next Wednesday before travelling to face Tianjin Teda.