Andy Carroll says his rehabilitation is going according to plan and hopes he can return to first-team football soon.
The England and West Ham United striker was ruled out for four months after injuring ankle ligaments during the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand in July.
But after returning to light training this week, the former Liverpool and Newcastle United man believes an end to his injury woe is now in sight.
"The recovery's going well," revealed Carroll.
"I started running about ten days ago, so that feels good, I haven't had a problem with it, so it's all good at the minute.
Fact file
- Born: 6 January 1989
- Place: Gateshead
- Former clubs: Newcastle United, Preston North End (loan), Liverpool
- England caps: 9
- International debut: vs France (November 2010)
"I've got to take each day as it comes and, like I say, there hasn't been a setback so far.
"Hopefully it'll be just the same all the way through until I'm back fit."
Carroll, who was speaking at an event to announce further details of the Hammers' move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season, also revealed the heartache he felt on hearing the news of his injury earlier this summer.
"I was devastated," he added.
"The last place I want to be is in the treatment room. Watching the lads outside every day - it's a nightmare.
"They're doing what I want to do."
Carroll initially joined West Ham on loan from Liverpool in 2012 and after impressing during the season-long deal, he signed on a permanent basis a year later.
However, since then he has been plagued by injury - with a heel complaint restricting him to just 15 league appearances during the 2013-14 season.
And the forward insists that despite his minutes on the pitch being limited, he is ignoring any criticism and focusing on recovering and helping his club build on their positive start to the season.
"I don't really care what people say," he added.
Andy Carroll celebrates his goal against Sweden at Euro 2012
"I know I've had problems with injuries and I'm not hiding away from that. Hopefully this is the last one and I can get it out of the way.
"Obviously the club have put a lot of faith in me, paying so much money, but I don't feel like I've let them down.
"It's an injury that I couldn't help but I do want to be out there and repay the faith they've had in me."
