Thursday, July 20 2006 15:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Madrid: England defender Jonathan Woodgate said Wednesday he was hoping to repay Real Madrid fans for their patience as he finally looks to shake off his two-year injury nightmare.

"I feel good and I am working harder and harder," the 26-year-old told realmadrid.com as Real stepped up their pre-season preparations in Austria, adding his injuries were now forgotten.

The former Leeds and Newcastle stopper has to show new coach Fabio Capello he has recovered from a slew of injuries after returning from treatment in England for a niggling thigh problem.

Woodgate has made only nine league appearances for the former European champions since he came to the Bernabeu in a 25-million-dollar move from Newcastle 23 months ago.

And with reports that Real have their eyes on Juventus star Fabio Cannavaro Spanish media reports have suggested his days in Spain are numbered.

"I went back to see a physiotherapist I know well from my time at Leeds and who is a close friend. Going home was important, to be with the family and friends.

"But I was very happy to get back to Madrid and be with the group," Woodgate said.

"I see a lot of optimism," he added in allusion to Real's quest to end a run of three trophyless seasons, while setting himself a goal of simply getting back into action.

"I want to focus on playing more games and leave the injuries behind. The past two years have been frustrating and I only managed to play a dozen games. My goal is to surpass that. We need to win a title - that's very important to the team," Woodgate concluded.