"It's been a frustrating last 13 months - not just since I've been at Fulham," Barnes told the official Fulham website.
"I've not played yet, but I've worked on my fitness with behind closed doors games and reserve team games as well as taking advice from the conditioning coaches here.
"It's been a big frustration not to play. Just when you build yourself up for two weeks or something, there's another setback. I've been here six weeks and there's eight games left so there's still time.
"I've worked up to playing 90 minutes. I've really enjoyed my time at Fulham though - it's been really positive from the gaffer and the players.
"Success would be just to show people what I can do, whether that's 20 minutes in a game to show what I can do or six games - I'll take whatever I can get.
"I've set my heart on staying with Fulham. It's a really nice club. If they want to extend my stay I'd be very happy to do so.
"It would be disappointing to go back, because I believe I can play at this level. Nigel Clough didn't want me to be denied a chance after missing most of Derby's Premier League season."