The Australian international midfielder, who suffered the injury in the Champions League against Standard Liege in early December, was an 88th minute sub in AZ's 3-0 win over Vitesse Arnhem on Sunday.

Holman's brief appearance on Sunday was his first for AZ under new boss Dick Advocaat, who infamously snubbed the Socceroos manager role in late 2007.

The 25-year-old midfielder told AZ TV he was relieved to be back to fitness and eager to impress the former Zenit St Petersburg and Rangers boss.

"Finally I am back on the field with the first team, it's a good feeling," Holman said. "You always want to get fit faster, faster so you can join the group.

"But we could not and you should always be wise. It might take a little longer, but I am now fully fit, that's the key."

Holman went onto admit his initial role in the team under Advocaat would probably be as a substitute as he works his way back to fitness, but added that he's eager to re-gain his spot in the starting side.

He added: "I just returned from a long injury and have not yet played a match under Advocaat.

"It is now up to me to work hard in training."