Izzie has not figured in the last two preseasons because of injury problems that looked, until the spring, as if they would end his career before it started in earnest.
But, although he was ruled out of the trip to Reading on Monday, he says he is feeling better than he has for a long time.
"I missed the game this week because of a slight groin strain but I will be training again soon," he insists.
"I can't really explain how good it is to be doing preseason with all the lads, because if you miss it you are always behind everyone else.
"It is great to be out there running with the boys, even though it is hard work; it has got to be done.
"I missed the 5-4 at Reading, but although there were bad mistakes at the back and the boys weren't happy, we played a bit of football and things will be better for the first game at Newcastle."
The centre half picture has changed quite a lot in recent months: Izzie's recovery at the end of last season, and the subsequent offer of a one year contract, will see him trying to compete for a spot with new signing Gary Breen, fit-again Ian Pearce whose own problems mirrored Izzie's in some ways, last season's ever-present Christian Dailly, and Tomas Repka.
In addition, fellow youngsters Glen Johnson, and Anton Ferdinand, both of whom can also play right back, are expected to have a say in squad selections in the second half of the season.
Raggy Soma, Hayden Foxe, and Rigobert Song all left in the summer for nominal fees after they failed to make the impression they wanted to on Glenn Roeder.
Getting into the first team, though, will still be tough with Ian Pearce and Gary looking to battle it out with Tomas and Christian for a place, and those four representing the senior quartet of central defenders.
But Izzie is not worried about the extra competition Gary brings with him, and he says:
"There are a lot of senior players in my position, and Gary has been to the World Cup whereas I have not even played league football.
"But I am looking and learning - and feeling fitter the more games I play."