Craig Bellamy had admitted how he should have had his knee operation before Wales' final Euro 2004 qualifiers.
He explained: "It should have been done last summer, but I tried to carry on playing because Wales had such important games.
"I've learnt a valuable lesson, and there's been no problem with my knee since I had the operation in the USA."
Bellamy, aged 24, was withdrawn from Wales' friendly in Hungary last week despite his excellent club form due to manager Sir Bobby Robson claiming that he was unfit.
He played 90 minutes in training during the week and hit the back of the net on Saturday as Newcastle defeated Everton 4-2.
Wales boss Mark Hughes was not too pleased with the withdrawals from his squad and as it stands, Bellamy faces a fight with in-form Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw for a place in the international side, but insists that his country have not yet seen his true form.
"My game plan had been to help Wales qualify for Euro 2004, then have my operation and come back in time for the Championship," he told BBC Sport.
"It was a bit silly because I was only half fit and never in good enough condition to play for Wales.
"I had tendinitis in my left knee and just could not get rid of the pain.
"It's been a career dogged by injury and I've now had five knee operations.
"But even when I've felt down I've never doubted my own ability.
"I was determined to come back a better player - and I know that I have."
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