Last Updated: Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:22
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison is to resume training this week and has targeted a first team comeback before the end of the season.
The Welsh international's season had looked to be over when he dislocated his kneecap in the clash with Wigan at the beginning of March but he has made better than expected progress and is now set to return to the training ground.
Collison is desperate to return to competitive action to help the Hammers secure a top-seven finish and a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
He told the club's website: "I've been working really hard with the medical team over the last few weeks. I've had a lot of long days down at the swimming pool and been doing lots of running and hopefully I'll be back in full training on Wednesday.
"I dislocated my knee. It popped out of place. Luckily it wasn't too serious in the end so now I've just got to concentrate on getting back to full fitness. Hopefully I can have one last push at the end of the season.
"I've pretty much done everything and I'm now ready to go back into full training with the boys. It'll be later in the week and that's what I've been aiming for over the last few weeks. To make another appearance or two before the end of the season and help the team to try and qualify for Europe would be great."