GOAL - The Trinidad & Tobago international has spent a season in the Iranian Pro League and is looking to possibly re-establish himself in English football

Former Premier League defender Jlloyd Samuel has been plying his trade for Esteghlal in Tehran, but is now looking to force his way back onto the big stage.

The former Bolton and Aston Villa full-back made a surprise move to Iran's Pro League in January, signing a five month contract with the Iranian champions.

But the 33-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international doesn't want to become a forgotten player, and is hoping to find a new opportunity on a larger stage.

Jlloyd told Sky Sports: "I hear people talking and I have friends, they don't know what you're up to and they say: 'Where have you been?'

"Once you leave the glamour of English football, you do become the forgotten person, and obviously being back now and letting people know I'm still around.

"But at the same time, if I need be to go elsewhere, for me it's not about that now, it's about getting into and playing football and just enjoying it.

"That's hard at times because when you come home from football, you've got your kids and your wife and everything's there and they're running around, it helps out, if things are going good or bad. For myself, you come to a lonely house and lonely room and you start to think sometimes."

The defender, who featured for the England Under-21's, has the option of returning to the Tehran club, but is now a free agent and says he is looking for a new challenge.

"They want me to go back, but who knows what he future holds. As I say I'm back here and I'm free and looking around for a new challenge, but if things are right then I'll go back."

The former Cardiff and Gillingham full back insists he still has the physical fitness to perform, despite playing in a less superior league.

Samuel added: "I'm probably fitter now then I have ever been. When you're playing every three, four days, no matter what the pace of the game, you're still feeling tired."