Michael Johnson hopes that he is finally over his injury nightmare and can now concentrate on spearheading Manchester City's European push.
He underwent an operation in November to try and cure the problem only to then see it flare up again as he closed in on a return to full fitness.
However, he successfully came through 45 minutes for City's reserves against Newcastle last week and is now hoping to be back in Sven Goran Eriksson's plans for the crunch clash with fellow top four hopefuls Everton next Monday.
"I hate being injured, but now I'm finally running with no pain, and I'm thrilled about that. Touch wood, it stays away now and I keep on top of it," Johnson told the Manchester Evening News.
"It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt against Newcastle in the reserves.
"I had no pain, and I didn't feel too tired, so it was a good stepping stone for me.
"It was a good chance for some of the other lads to step up their fitness too, and it was pleasing to see Valeri Bojinov back in that game."
