STEVEN Reid has revealed his 16-month injury nightmare almost made him quit the game for good – but insists helping Rovers reach Wembley would help make his pain worth it.

The Blackburn Rovers midfielder impressed on his first Premier League appearance since September 2008 in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Fulham, after battling back from another serious knee injury, and now has his sights set on a shock Carling Cup semi final win at Villa Park tomorrow.

Reid’s career has stalled since suffering a knee ligament injury in 2006, missing almost an entire two seasons, but, now back in the first-team fold, he is determined to start making up for lost time.

Rovers travel to Aston Villa tomorrow night bidding to overturn their 1-0 first leg deficit and book their place at Wembley for the Carling Cup final, with Reid insisting it is not mission impossible.

He said: “Days like today make it all worth it and hopefully we kick on Wednesday and in the league as well. Hopefully we can get a win on Wednesday and get to Wembley, I guess it would feel a little bit more special because of what I have been through.

“It has been a tough time and I would lying if I said at times during that spell I didn’t think about jacking it in. You feel like you can’t go on, but with the help of family and friends and an unbelievable medical team you come through it and days like today make it all worth it.

“Another reason why Sunday’s win was a massive result was we are now going into Wednesday with confidence and with less pressure on us.

“We showed against them in the second half in the first leg we can get in amongst them, Niko was unlucky hitting the post twice - so we can score against them. If we keep it tight and solid there is no reason we can’t get a result.”

Reid, 28, still faces an uncertain Ewood Park future with his contract due to expire this summer and talks yet to start about any potential extension.

His future looked even bleaker after injuring his hamstring during a recent one-month loan spell at QPR and the break down of a potential second month at Loftus Road. But Sunday has showed Reid there is still a lot to look forward to.

For the moment though the Republic of Ireland midfielder is just enjoying his football again - insisting the future will look after itself.

He said: “I have got to respect the injuries I have had and just play when the manager sees fit. He felt I was ready for this game but it is just the start of things to come. It is just one result and if in another 10 games I am still in there I can start looking forward.

“I think I have got to forget about my contract situation. There was a stage when I let it worry me but I have had a chat with the manager and you have to forget it and just concentrate on getting fit and playing football.

“Outside influences can affect you so I am putting that to the back of my mind and hopefully carry on playing like that. I am sure things like that will look after themselves.

“When I got injured for QPR in just my second game, I thought here we go again. I thought I was going back there for a second month but I think Briatore pulled out of the deal and I am really glad he did now.”