Fabian Delph was thrilled with his first start of the season in Aston Villa's defeat to Tottenham.
The former Leeds united midfielder has now fully recovered from knee surgery earlier this year.
Delph was quick to acknowledge the support of Villa's physiotherapists and members of his family who guided him through the most difficult period of his career.
"I've knocked a month off," he told AVTV. "The physio I have worked with has been unbelievable for me.
"He has been there for me every day since I did the initial injury. For me and him it's pleasing and for my family it's pleasing.
"I've learnt a lot about myself but my family have been there and they have kept me going.
"I am not the easiest person to work with when I'm injured. I'm not a very pleasant guy when I'm injured I don't like being injured so all credit to the physios that have been with me every day.
"They have told me to get on with it and knuckle down which is what they have forced me to do. It seems to have paid off."
