YOU could forgive Danny Gabbidon for being down in the dumps, but one of the most promising defenders in British football won't let an injury nightmare ruin his happy-go-lucky personality.

And the 23-year-old Cwmbran-raised Welsh international is optimistic that his season is not yet over.

Gabbidon hobbled out of Cardiff City's Second Division game at Barnsley on November 9 with back spasms.

Now, after four months on the sidelines, he's still not back in training but undergoing extensive rehabilitation.

The four-times capped centre-half accepts he'll miss Wales' crunch Spring Euro 2004 qualifying double-header with Azerbaijan and Serbia and Montenegro - barring a 'miracle.' But Gabbidon, in reflective mood, believes the injury will develop him as a player and as a human being.

"Before injuries like this, you can take playing football for granted," said the Panteg-born star.

"However, when I return to action it will make me stronger and more grateful that I'm playing the game I love as a career.

"When you are injured, of course, there are times when you feel down and you do a lot of soul searching, but my family and everyone at Cardiff City and with Wales have helped me to get through this nightmare, perhaps without even knowing about it.

"I miss not being around my Cardiff team-mates all the time and going away on Wales duty - it can make you feel a bit left out.

"But I'm positive that I will be a better person after this experience. I'm not setting myself any targets of a first-team return because if I fail to meet them it will only knock me backwards.

"I'm hoping to be back training with the Cardiff lads within four weeks so - barring a minor miracle - that puts me out of the two forthcoming Welsh internationals.

"But it's no great shakes if I'm not back in four weeks. Lennie Lawrence (Cardiff manager) has been superb, he's let me recover at my own rate so my career isn't hindered further down the line.

"This injury is the worst thing that has ever happened to me but it will make me appreciate things I did take for granted.

"I'm improving well at the moment and I'm confident I will be back before the end of the season."