Blackburn Rovers are hopeful Phil Jones could be back within a month after initial estimates put the 18 year old out for the season following a knee operation. A damaged cartilage in his knee in December had Rovers boss Steve Kean fearing Jones would be out for the season.
The defender's progress has been so swift, though, that he could be back in action next month.
Kean told rovers.co.uk: "Phil is back out on the pitch working with (physio) Dave Fevre so he's making good progress.
"He's coming on quicker than we thought, so hopefully in three or four weeks he'll be available for selection.
"That is another great boost. He was unfortunate to pick up the injury that he had, but he's a young man and he's healing quickly and that is something we are really looking forward to, getting him back in the fold."
