Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben Abankwah played through the pain barrier to help his Scottish side Hearts thrash Partick Thistle 3-0 on Saturday to return to the top of the top-flight.
Hearts overtook Celtic to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding display that left Partick Thistle reeling.
The Ghanaian admitted being only 70 per cent fit but the determined midfielder played as Hearts coasted to the victory over one of his former clubs.
Buaben recovered from the knock that forced him off against Ross County last weekend against Partick Thistle who were hoping to halt the Jambo juggernaut at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.
But Hearts overtook Celtic to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding display and the Ghanaian at the heart of the midfield.
Pace and power were fundamental to the home side's attacks and they led after a first-half volley from Osman Sow.
Sam Nicholson and Juanma Delgado added further goals to give Hearts a fifth win from their opening five games.
Nicholson converted the rebound after Juanma's penalty had been saved but the striker then chipped in the third.
Buaben spent four months on loan at Firhill from Carlisle United last year, making nine starts and two substitute appearances under Alan Archibald.
He even played against Hearts on the day their relegation from the Premiership was confirmed – Saturday, April 5, 2014.
A few weeks later he was snapped up by the Edinburgh club following a change of manager and owner. The Ghanaian has barely looked back since.