Jimmy Bullard, the Fulham midfielder, is hoping to be back in action by October. Bullard dislocated a kneecap and suffered extensive cruciate ligament damage a year ago and admits he will not be back to full fitness until Christmas.

The 29-year-old was injured against Newcastle United last September after making an impressive start to his Fulham career, scoring two goals in four games following a £2.5 million move from Wigan Athletic. He is finally back in training with the first-team but is still having to avoid contact work.

"October still looks about right for me to be playing again but I will need a lot of training and a lot of reserve games to build up match-fitness for the first team," Bullard said. "Match-fitness is the key. The knee is fine now and everything since I started rehab has been geared to when I could return from what was a career-threatening injury.

"But although you may think you are fit, it is not until you see the other lads going into tackles and the pace they play at that you realise it is going to take time. By Christmas, I think I ought to be fully ready."