Owner Andy Stewart admits he is nervous ahead of the return of Big Buck's in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The four-time World Hurdle winner has been sidelined by injury since winning his 18th consecutive race in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in December 2012 but is now just days away from his comeback on Saturday.

"I'm not a little bit of a nervous owner, I'm a terrified nervous owner," Stewart said.

"He's a people's horse and a lot of people will be rooting for him.

"It's a big responsibility. He doesn't know that, but I know that and I will be very nervous."

Big Buck's will face a maximum of 10 rivals in this weekend's three-mile (4800m) contest including last year's winner Reve De Sivola.

Willie Mullins has Boston Bob and Mikael D'Haguenet in contention, while the Rebecca Curtis-trained At Fishers Cross could look to get his season back on track following a disappointing first half of the campaign.

The Stewart-Nicholls combination also have Lanzarote Hurdle winner Saphir Du Rheu engaged, but he is unlikely to take his chance.

"Saphir De Rheu won't run unless it's absolutely bottomless and we take Big Buck's out," Stewart said.