Andy Carroll believes the know-how of Welsh surgeon Rhys Thomas has paved the way for an end to his ankle injury problems.
The Newcastle United striker was haunted by ankle problems during his time at West Ham but had screws in foot replaced last summer.
Now Carroll is hoping for an injury-free run-in during the final seven Premier League games of the season.
Carroll said: "I think my ankle after the surgery in Wales from surgeon Rhys Thomas, he sorted it out.
"To be honest it has been brilliant ever since.
"It hasn't been a problem with that. It has been niggles and other little things."
Carroll, speaking to the club TV channel, also revealed details about his chat with Steve Bruce about starting games for Newcastle.
Carroll said: "He is obviously brilliant and you can have a conversation with him.
"When I knocked on his door it was not a heated argument.
"It was just a discussion, my point, his point - and we have worked together on that.
"What people don't see is I've worked hard and trained hard.
"I've kept myself fit. Every day in training I am giving 100%. I just thought I deserved that chance.
"You didn't just have to look at the goal I set up (against Villa) it is everything else off the field."
After the unprecedented three-month period of no games during the lockdown, Carroll feels the stint helped him regain strength and full fitness.
Carroll said: "I feel great. The lockdown probably did me the world of good to get my body right.
"I did not have the pressure of getting my body right for the weekend, rushing it and forcing it to play.
"I had a couple of weeks of not doing anything then slowly and gradually worked up to what I am doing now."
