The Manchester United striker's six-minute appearance at Birmingham on Wednesday was his first senior action since the 2004 FA Cup final. After 20 months of battling for fitness after surgery, 88 first-team matches missed and 122 minutes of reserve football in December, Solskjaer says his knee is 100 per cent and he is ready to resume his career in 2006.
Old Trafford's home support haven't seen the popular striker, who scored the goal which won the 1999 European Cup, since May 8, 2004 but a potential appearance tomorrow against Bolton will be just the tonic the Reds need going into the New Year.
But he is warning not to expect the old Solskjaer just yet. "The knee is all right now. I have no twinges," Ole told M.E.N. Sport.
"There is nothing I can't do now. It will take time to get back into the swing of things but that is expected after 18 months or so out.
"But at least I have proved to myself I can be involved in a Premiership match again.
"As long as things go on improving, then I am happy. There is still a while before I can say I am the Ole Solskjaer I used to be.
"You have to be realistic. It will take time. I can't predict when I think I will be the same player again. Let's just wait and see.
"I am getting there and that is the important thing. I am improving all the time especially in training.
"I have improved a lot since stepping up to first team training.
"I can do the training I want to. I can do everything I want to and that was the main reason for having the operation. It has taken a little longer than I expected but I am there now.
"The improvement now is match sharpness. That will take time but it will come.
"It was a great feeling just to get back on the pitch again and to be able to wave to the supporters at the end.
"I am back in the squad now and available if the manager needs me.
"That in itself is a big step forward after having been out for so long." Tweet
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Well done for proving the doubters wrong.
Welcome back ole
It is so wonderful to see "our Solskjaer" proving all doubters wrong by playing again.
All United supporters wish him nothing but the best because whatever happens, & besides "that goal in Barcelona" Ole-Gunnar is one player (unlike some others) who owes Manchester United & their supporters absolutely nothing.
Welcome back ole. A relly nice man and a player who has been a fantastic striker for United and part of history. Even if the future holds some doubts you are loved and everyone wishes you well
Ole will join a select few when he hangs his boots up.His name will go down in Manchester Uniteds history along with Busby,Best,Law,Charlton and Cantona because he is a true United legend.
Great to be there when he came on on weds, a monent i never thought i would see, shame the result didnt match the moment
Great to see Ole back in the red shirt.No matter what the future holds,he will go down in history as a true United legend.And not just for '99 either,proud of you mate.
He shouldn't worry about not being the same old Ole - he's not playing for the same old United!
we get the match live on tv at 10am, can't wait to see you there kid!
welcome back to the national team of the PR of M, 20legend!
i glad that he is back he was a really good player befor so that's good i am a big fan
The United fans were still singing his name - even though he was out injured for nearly two years - thats saying something - all credit to him for battling on and all credit to the fans. Lets hope that he can make it back to the levels of sharpness and fitness he enjoyed - he scored many valuable goals for united apart from Barcelona '99) and I am sure he has a few more left yet.
Happy New Year Ole!!!!