Nicky Hayden hopes that the physical effects of his dramatic 2006 clash with team-mate Dani Pedrosa will finally be over after undergoing shoulder surgery for a second time.

The Repsol Honda rider injured his right shoulder when he was taken out by Pedrosa during the penultimate round of the 2006 MotoGP World Championship, at Estoril. The incident also gave Valentino Rossi the title advantage, which Hayden nevertheless overturned at the Valencia season finale.

It was only once the season had ended that Hayden revealed he was carrying the injury, for which he first underwent surgery one-year ago. However, Nicky believes he returned to testing a little early after that first operation, forcing the need for further corrective surgery.

"Truth is I probably rushed a 'lil to get back testing this year and was not fully healed and though I can't use it as an excuse for the results this year, I would be lyin' if I said it was perfect," Hayden told his official website. "[The shoulder] gave me a few problems and I was getting a few Cortisone shots during the season to help. But is that why I got shut for race wins? No! That would be a big violation of rule 76 (no excuses, play like a champion)."

Hayden timed his latest operation so that he could take part in all three post-season tests of 2007 and still be back on his new RC212V when the testing ban ends on January 20, 2008.

"Dr. Ting is happy with how it went and after a week or 10 days in a sling I'll be out and should have no problems in being 100% for the next test," declared the American. "His place is a pretty popular spot this time of year... [AMA Superbike champion] Ben Spies was in there before me and sounds like when I came out of surgery I put on a nice show while I was still doped up telling the nurses how pretty they were and calling half my phone book telling them how we can't be running round in 7th place this year!"

Hayden's chances of returning to the top step of the podium in 2008 will depend a lot on the effectiveness of the all-new RCV. Nicky says he has confidence in the new bike, but that engine performance is still holding it back.

"Being fastest in Malaysia [on the '07] was good though no disrespect to the riders that were there, it is easier when Stoner and few of them stay home," said Hayden. "Jerez was another good test and we were on [the] pace all three days, even with the new ['08] bike. I like this new bike... The chassis is good and even though the engine is hard to ride, if we can get some more speed out of it we should be ready to do work!"