Koutroumbis had stage one thyroid cancer after discovering a lump in his neck during pre-season.

The defender had surgery to remove the lump last month and is now back in training with the Newcastle Jets.

Koutroumbis admits he was overwhelmed by the level of support he received while he battled the disease.

"It was very warming to get so many messages from fans all around Australia," he said.

"The whole football community was messaging me and I felt really a part of something, everyone cared."

The 20-year-old said his faith helped him through the ordeal and he is now well on the road to recovery.

"I feel fantastic," the centre back said.

"I'm really going out there getting my fitness back, it's the usual routine I used to do. There's time on my hands now, so all I can do is just get fit and see what happens from there really.

"It definitely is an itchy feeling to get back out there, but obviously health is the first priority, but in time I'll be out there soon enough."