Thomas Hitzlsperger has told West Ham TV of his eagerness to return to first-team duty after returning from six months out with a thigh injury.
The Germany international midfielder completed a prescribed 60 minutes in Wednesday's 4-1 Barclays Premier Reserve League victory at West Bromwich Albion.
Hitzlsperger came through his first competitive appearance since being hurt while on international duty in August unscathed, and is now desperate to aid West Ham United's Barclays Premier League survival bid.
"It was really nice to play again as obviously it was my first game back after six months," he told West Ham TV. "It's something I've been looking forward to for a long time. This was my first game back and to come through it was fantastic.
"Of course I want to play in the first team as soon as possible and I need to speak to the manager.
"After the game today I'm pleased to say that I'm feeling good, I'm in good shape. We'll wait and see when I play for the first team but hopefully it will be pretty soon."
The 28-year-old has paid tribute to the club's medical team, who have got him back on the pitch in good shape and on schedule.
"The most difficult time was when I first found out the extent of the injury, really. I've been looked after very well. The surgery went well and the treatment from the medical department has been excellent - they looked after me very well.
"They said it would take four months after the surgery and I'm right on time, so I'm really happy with the way it went. I'd like to say a big 'Thank you' to the medical department because they've been excellent."
Hitzlsperger was not only happy to make a return to action, but also to play his part in an impressive away victory over the Baggies.
The former VfB Stuttgart and SS Lazio man was part of a midfield that also included goal scorers Radoslav Kovac and Olly Lee, while makeshift left-back Cristian Montano and the lively Freddie Sears were also on target to complete a comprehensive victory.
"It's always good to win, not just to play but to get the three points. I think the attitude was fantastic from the senior boys and also from the youngsters to go there and win.
"I think we put in a good performance and I enjoyed it even more because we won."