With two substitute appearances and two 90 minute run-outs for the Development Squad under his belt since returning from a fractured shoulder, West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan is already well ahead of schedule.
When he suffered the injury in training in mid-August, he was told to expect at least a six week spell before being able to return.
But having already featured in two Barclays Premier League matches, his hard work has been rewarded and now he is looking forward to being able to contribute more.
He told whufc.com: "When I first suffered the injury, the timeframe was six to eight weeks before I could get on the pitch and do anything, so I'm three or four weeks ahead of it in that respect.
"At the end of the day I've got every confidence in myself - I work hard at everything I do and I've got a great team around me in the physios and coaching staff who have supported me.
"That makes it easier, with the boys' support too, and it makes you want to be back as quickly as possible and I'm delighted to be back amongst it."
With no first team game at the weekend owing to the international break, Nolan has been glad of the opportunity to get the other injured players, such at Matt Jarvis, up to speed ahead of the 18 October trip to Burnley.
He added: "The international break was timed well for us, especially after the result we got last weekend. Coming into Burnley next week we're going to have virtually everybody training.
"That's fantastic and it's going to raise everything for us, so the future's looking good."