ROVERS winger Damien Duff today admitted the last six months have been the worst of his career.

The 24-year-old wideman has seen his season wrecked by a succession of niggling injuries.

And, although the Republic of Ireland star is planning to return against Arsenal tomorrow after a six-week absence, the inspirational Irishman has confessed there have been times when his spells on the sidelines have left him feeling depressed.

"It's the most frustrating season I've ever had. It's been absolutely ridiculous, really," said Duff.

"I've been down in the dumps practically all season and I've never really got going.

"After the summer, I was really looking forward to getting back, I started off the season well, and felt brilliant.

"But then I started to get silly little injuries and then my hamstrings as well so it's been devastating, really.

"It does become psychological after a while. For the first couple of weeks back in training I still felt down and I was afraid to move in case it went again.

"But I've got my confidence up now, I'm nearly going at full pelt, so I should be flying come tomorrow."

Big things were expected of Duff at the start of the season after he had set the World Cup alight with some stunning performances for the Republic in the Far East.

And those expectations then soared even higher after he agreed to commit his future to Rovers by signing a new four-year deal.

But a succession of hamstring injuries has meant he has made just 22 appearances so far this term.

However, Rovers' medical staff now think they have got to the bottom of the problem after looking at all aspects of the player's lifestyle.

"After three or four hamstring injuries in a season they thought it was right to go through absolutely everything," said Duff.

"They've changed my bed, I've got a leg length difference as well so I've got special inserts in my boots, and they've sorted my back out, too, because that was in tatters as well.

"I'm like an old man for a 24-year-old but, like I've said, I think we've sussed it now and I feel good so hopefully when I do get back, I'll be back to stay.

"I've been training on and off for the last two weeks and I came through a training game earlier in the week where I played about 75 minutes.

"So, touch wood, I should be okay but at the end of the day all I'm worried about is my welfare and being fit for the rest of the season.

"I don't want to break down again, I want to be flying for the last eight or nine games before I then have some important games for Ireland."

Duff's likely return is sure to boost Rovers' chances of recording what would be a remarkable double over the Gunners.

Graeme Souness's side are currently in confident mood after three straight wins and Duff believes a late charge for the top six is not out of the question.

"I think we are more than capable of doing that," said the Irishman.

"We've certainly got the players to do it but it's all about consistency, which is something we've lacked at times.

"We've just won three on the bounce, which is the first time we've done that in the Premiership under the gaffer, so hopefully we are back on track and that can help us to push on in our last nine games."

Rovers are expected to choose from: Friedel, Taylor, Gresko, Berg, Short, Flitcroft, Tugay, Dunn, Duff, Cole, Yorke, Grabbi, Sukur, Johansson, McEveley, Gillespie, Todd, Kelly.