CHERRIES star Charlie Daniels is confident he is close to regaining full fitness following his miraculous recovery from injury.

Daniels admitted he had feared the worst after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the sole of the heel.

But after being referred for specialist treatment at the Villa Stuart Clinic in Italy, Daniels was cured of the condition within days.

Daniels, one of the first Cherries players to attend the FIFA-accredited facility in Rome, hit the comeback trail last month having missed more than seven weeks of the season.

The defender, who has started Cherries’ past three games, told the Daily Echo: “Everything is almost back to normal now. I rarely feel it, maybe just a little after a game, but nothing major and it goes within an hour or two. It isn’t pain, just a bit tight.

“I had a tear in the plantar fascia on the bottom of my foot and was relieved when I found out I wouldn’t be out for a long time. I know of a few players who have had it and have been sidelined for a while.

“I didn’t need an operation and it was sorted pretty quickly. It healed in about nine days. Everything since then has been geared to stepping up my rehab.”

Daniels, who had two consultations at the clinic, added: “Me and Matty Ritchie were the first to go. The medical facilities are top-notch and we are very fortunate to have the link.

“The problem just kept coming back and we didn’t really know what it was. I went out there and had two scans and was told it wouldn’t take long to heal so was very relieved.”

Daniels featured in Cherries’ first three games of the season before spending three weeks on the sidelines. And despite starting against Doncaster, Blackpool and Barnsley, the injury recurred and forced him out for a further month.

“It was a bit stop-start at the beginning,” said the 27-year-old, one of the leading lights of last season’s promotion. “Since I have been back, I have been stepping up my training and have played a few games. I feel like I am getting back to full fitness.

“The level is good and I am enjoying it. No disrespect to the teams in League One but you want to play in the Championship. The standard is much better and it is great to pit yourself against good players week in, week out.

“Everyone is stronger, fitter and sharper and everything is done a lot quicker than in the league below. I think we have adapted well so far and just need to keep improving.”