Andy Noble started 2008 in frustration – it has ended on a high with his qualification for the World Championships in Val d’Isere in France in February.

Having suffered the mixture of a compression fracture of the left knee and a broken tibia, the 24-year-old Scot has done remarkably well to be back on the world-class circuit.

The biggest boost is that he has already had a top six in a Europa Cup event and a couple of fifth places on the FIS circuit, guaranteeing his selection for the British team for the world champs.

With two new sponsors on board – Whiteburn Property Developers and Tidalfire, a software specialist and training consultancy – Andy is ready for a bright 2009.

Working with a new coach in Slovenia’s Rafpo Azmoh, he started on the comeback trail in September and the giant slalom specialist said: “The first target was just to get back from the injury and secure my world-ranking.

“But after a good, solid start to the season – the sixth place in the Europa Cup was a career best - the goalposts have now moved a bit, which is great. 

“I’m currently at No.113 in the world and the new goal is to make it into the top 50 by the end of next year.”

One of four Scots in the British World Cup team – brothers Alain and Noel Baxter and Finlay Mickel are the others – Andy’s big goal is to fulfil a lifelong dream and qualify for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.   

Having suffered a broken back and a ruptured spleen when he was a 17-year-old, the Edinburgh man is well aware of the dangers of his sport. In fact, his girlfriend and GB team mate, Melissa Piper, is currently sidelined with a broken leg. 

But his outlook remains extremely positive. “I’ve been through the wars,” he concedes. “But it’s all been worth it.”