Andy Carroll was delighted to be back for West Ham United in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
Carroll, signed by the Irons in a club-record £15million deal from Liverpool in June 2013, admits it was frustrating having to carefully manage his rehabilitation after ankle surgery, and now has regaining a regular starting place firmly in his sights.
"It is a great feeling to be back out on the pitch. It took a long time, a lot of hard work and I have to give credit to all of the medical staff for getting me back fit," he said.
"I had to make sure it was 100 percent before I started doing anything. I had a couple of weeks where I could not do anything, even go to the gym.
"With me being (an) active (person), that was more annoying than anything.
"(After I came on) I had a couple of chances and was unlucky with the one when the keeper made a great save.
"Now I am back with my first bit of football, so going forwards I am going to be champing at the bit."
