West Brom striker Ishmael Miller says he is raring to go after finally putting his injury nightmare behind him.
The 23-year-old is expected to resume training this week having been sidelined for over seven weeks with a rare tendon problem in his thigh.
The Baggies have signed strike duo Peter Odemwingie and Marc-Antoine Fortune during his absence, and while aware of the increased competition, Miller insists his main priority is staying out of the treatment room.
Frustrating
“We thought it was a thigh strain at first but we then discovered after a deeper scan that it was a torn tendon that one out of 10,000 athletes tear,” Miller told the club’s official website.
“But I’ve been outside for a few weeks now. I’ve just been trying to get myself right so hopefully I don’t break down again.
“It has been frustrating from time to time – but it’s football and it’s what happens.
“I just need to make sure I come back right and do the extra work.
“I’m very excited to get back on the training pitch. I just want to play football. I haven’t played for over seven weeks.”
Miller has found himself hampered by injuries since suffering cruciate ligament damage during his debut Premier League season in December 2008, but the striker is staying positive.
“I just want to put the last couple of years to bed and move on,” he said. “I’ve had to draw on my own strength and I’ve had my family and friends around me to help.
“It could be worse. Some people get injured and never come back.
“I’ve just got to take it day by day and week by week.”
Encouraging
Promoted West Brom have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season, collecting 11 points from seven games to leave them an impressive sixth in the standings.
And Miller is keen to help them continue that success, adding: “At the end of the day it’s all about the club and the team doing well.
“It’s good to have a lot of people fighting for places because it brings the best out of you.
“I know what I can do and when I’m injury free hopefully I’ll get back to my best form.
“Hopefully I can just play consistently for a good few months without getting injured, get some sharpness, and try and find my top form again.”
