Jack Wilshere insists he is fighting fit and ready to attack the new season.
West Ham's injury-hit midfielder made just eight appearances last season following his arrival at the Hammers from Arsenal.
He had an operation to repair the latest in a succession of ankle problems in December.
But Wilshere has been put through his paces during West Ham's pre-season trip to China – and believes the hot-house conditions in the Far East have helped his bid for fitness.
Wilshere said: “I had a good pre-season last year and I felt good early in the season.
“You can train as much as you want, but you only get fitness from playing the games so I want to get as many games as I can to get ready for the season
“I felt good last season at the start, but picked up an injury.
“All I can do is get fitter each day. I want to play a big part this season and help the team finish as high as we can.
“I don't have to tell you how frustrating it was. I wanted to play and I was happy with the way I started, but I missed so much of the season and it was devastating.
“I missed travelling with the team and being part of it.
“But it's behind me now it's a new season. I've had a good couple of weeks and now I just want to push on.
“You forget how difficult it is to train and play in these conditions, but when you get back to England you definitely benefit.”
West Ham , beaten 4-0 by Manchester City in the Premier League Asia Trophy in Nanjing on Wednesday night, face Newcastle in the third place play-off game in Shanghai on Saturday.
