Crystal Palace defender Paddy McCarthy is delighted to be over his injury problems.
He spent five years trying to get Palace out of the Championship and, when they finally won promotion, the Irishman got injured.
And after recovering from his groin and calf injuries, McCarthy could not land a spot in the side.
But against Hull last Tuesday, McCarthy fulfilled his dream, coming on as a 64th-minute substitute.
McCarthy said: "You make a lot of sacrifices when you are an Irish footballer coming to England. Tuesday was a sweet feeling, all the more so because we won such an important game.
"I thought I was ready in August - only for the injuries to occur in the last week of pre-season. It was a frustrating time."