The good news, for Sheffield United at least, is that he is not speaking in fitness terms.

He's simply fed-up with discussing pins, plaster casts and broken legs.

The bad news for Barnsley, where Hulse is expected to spearhead United's attack during this afternoon's derby, is that the former Crewe, West Bromwich Albion and Leeds marksman believes he is poised to become an even better player than the one which dragged the visitors to the brink of Premiership safety last season.

Spending 12 months furnishing the media with every last detail of the double fracture he sustained at Chelsea in March 2007 might have tested Hulse's patience.

But, says the player, the ordeal has also made him better equipped to wreak havoc among opposition defences.

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"I've had enough of talking about it now," Hulse admitted. "I've had a few big injuries in my career.

"I had a stress fracture in my back when I first started and then I had a stomach problem when I was at West Brom that went on and on.

"I feel that I've come back a better player every time.

"You could say that something like this makes you mentally stronger.

"Anyway, I'm just delighted to be back among things.

"It's been frustrating at times because things haven't always progressed as quickly as I'd have liked.."

Hulse's importance to United is illustrated by the fact that many observers felt his loss was a turning point in his team's failed battle to avoid relegation last year.

Hulse's return to form, combined with James Beattie's recovery from a groin problem, increases the competition for places at Bramall Lane.

"We've got some really good strikers here," Hulse said.

"It's healthy to have competition. It brings out the best in everybody."

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