LUCIANO Civelli today opened his heart and thanked Ipswich Town fans for giving him the motivation to keep fighting.

The 24-year-old Argentinian midfielder made his first team comeback as an 89th minute substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 Championship win over Sheffield United at Portman Road.

He received a wonderful ovation in his first senior match after suffering a severe knee injury in March 2009.

The last 23 months has carried plenty of black moments for the left-sided player, but with a change of management he is happy again and can’t wait for Saturday’s game at Barnsley to arrive.

Civelli played just eight games in 2008/09 after being signed by Jim Magilton, and soon became a fans’ favourite.

“Ipswich supporters have been unbelievable to me,” said Civelli.

“They were great two seasons ago, and although I have been away for nearly two years they were great to me again on Saturday.

“I appreciate that very much and their support gave me the motivation to keep fighting – to keep going.

“I had been waiting for that moment on Saturday for so long and I tried to show how appreciative I felt in the few minutes I was on the pitch.

“It was a very good feeling, and I hope it can be repeated.

“Our passing was not at its best in the first half, but the team moved the ball better after the break and in the end it was a 3-0 win, and it could have been 5-0.

“It was a good day for me, and for the club with three points.

“And hopefully for our fans as well, who helped keep me going.”

Civelli has a Town contract until the summer of 2012 and he went on: “I’m looking forward to every match again now.

“My life has turned round.”