Francisco Sandaza has declared himself fit and ready to shoot Dundee United towards Europe.

The Spaniard has completed a full week of training after a 10-month lay off following a double hernia operation and will be included in Peter Houston's squad for Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with Hearts.

"I have trained all week and feel really good so I'm ready to play if the manager needs me," said Sandaza.

"It has been so long coming and I have to admit that the days out injured were hard.

"It was a nightmare. It affected my mentality, I was very down and I wasn't enjoying things.

"But this week I feel like a footballer again - everything is positive.

"What has happened throughout the last year has been a learning experience.

"Before, I took training every day and playing for granted. Now I appreciate it and realise how important it is to my life.

"I hope being out for so long will make me stronger."