Jack Collison is understandably delighted that he is in the running to participate in West Ham United's npower Championship Play-Off final against Blackpool on Saturday.
The Wales international's hopes of making the Wembley showpiece looked over when he injured his shoulder three minutes into the second half of the 3-0 Play-Off semi-final second-leg win against Cardiff. Since then, the 23-year-old's injury has been the subject of much discussion but, thankfully, it appears to have cleared up in time to feature in the match.
"I'm feeling good, fully fit and ready to play if selected. Obviously Sam has a full squad to choose from and everyone is fit and raring to go and looking forward to the challenge," he told West Ham TV.
Collison admits he did fear the worst when he was initially forced off, but once he had seen the desire of the West Ham medical staff to get him fit, he quickly became more optimistic about taking part.
"It was very sore at the time when I did it and the first thought was 'Oh no, am I going to be alright for the final?' But the medical staff have been brilliant and have been working round the clock to make sure I'm fit for the final, which I now am," said the smiling No10.
The popular midfielder would have been a big loss had he not made the final, after he had run into a rich vein of form at the perfect time. Collison grabbed both goals in the 2-0 first-leg win against the Bluebirds and had started the second-leg strongly before misfortune struck.
"Yes it's been good to score a few goals of late at the right time of the season. Hopefully I can continue that in the final as it would be a great game to score in.
"Everyone's raring to go and pushing each other to play at their very best. The fans are going to be up for it too so hopefully it will be a great day and a great occasion."
Understandably there has been much build-up to the match - dubbed 'the richest game in world football' - but Collison insists that all has been calm and low key in east London this week. Collison know that West Ham face an extremely tough afternoon, with Blackpool unbeaten in ten Play-Off matches.
"We know their strengths and their weaknesses, which is key going into the game. A lot of people have said we have beaten them twice already but that means nothing going into tomorrow's game. If we do our job properly tomorrow than I fancy our chances to get the right result."