Enner Valencia was thrilled to be back among the goals and reveals how his hard work on the training ground played a major role in his successful return to first-team action.
Valencia was instrumental during the impressive 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday night, netting a brace and looking back to his best.
The Hammers forward has suffered a frustrating time on the sidelines through injury this season and has only made eight Premier League appearances.
But the Ecuador international has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure his injury problems are now behind him and hopes to stay among the goals when the Hammers face Newcastle on Saturday.
Valencia said: “I was very happy to be back in the team and to score two goals against Bournemouth.
“For my first goal it was a great piece of skill from Dimitri and then for him to see me in my position and I was able to strike the ball into the back of the net.
“I have been practising my free-kicks on the training ground and it was good to see it pay off in the game. It is very important for me to stay fit and stay in the team.
“I was pleased with how the team came away with three points and the most important thing was the result.
“Dimitri had such an impact in the game again. He is a fantastic player and he had a fantastic performance.”
The victory over Bournemouth moved the Hammers just one point behind Tottenham in fourth place.
Valencia sees no reason why they cannot maintain their excellent run of form after going eight Premier League games unbeaten which equals a club record and keeps alive their hopes of securing European football next season.
Valencia added: “We are in a very good position in the table and we can look towards the top of the league.
“It will be a difficult game for us against Newcastle on Saturday, but hopefully we can come away with another good performance and pick up the three points.”