JOE Dudgeon's new one-year deal with Hull City is just reward for a "fantastic" attitude throughout an 18-month rehabilitation, according to manager Steve Bruce.
Dudgeon, who signed an extended contract last week, is catching the eye during the current training camp in Portugal, showing little sign of the knee injury that has haunted him in recent times.
City's medical team continue to monitor the left-back's fitness closely as he eases himself back into the frame, but Bruce is delighted to see such perseverance pay off.
"It's a huge year for the lad. We hope and we pray he comes through it.
"For his work and his effort and his attitude, we decided to give him another year.
"He was just getting fit towards the end of last season but it's been a long couple of years for him, hasn't it? We wish him the very best of luck."
Knee surgery in November 2012 has limited Dudgeon to just two starts in the last 20 months.
Both came in last season's Capital One Cup run but a series of set-backs have been a continued source of frustration.
An ongoing recovery persuaded Bruce to hand out a new 12-month deal and hopes are high that the former Manchester United youth has finally turned a corner.
"There's light at the end of the tunnel because he's out here joining in training," added Bruce.
"He's had so many dark hours in a gym on his own. If anyone deserves a bit of luck then it's Dudge because his attitude is fantastic."
