Simon Davies is back in training at Fulham this week.

The 33-year-old former Wales ­international has been ­sidelined with knee and hip problems and has made just seven first-team ­appearances in the past 18 months,

Davies came through a midweek reserve team outing unscathed as he steps up his fight for fitness.

The ex-Tottenham winger knows he needs to hit the ground running if he is to earn a new deal at Craven Cottage.

He is among a crop of Fulham players, which also includes captain Brede Hangeland, whose contracts expire in the summer.

Manager Martin Jol said: "Simon is almost a project and it will be good to have him back.

"We will ease him back in slowly as he is still a few weeks away from ­rejoining the first team.

"He has been so unlucky. Fingers crossed he can now stay injury-free."