Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes intends to resume his career next season after six months out of action with an eye problem.
Scholes has not played since the end of December because of a blocked vein in his right eye, leading to reduced vision and concern his playing days might be over.
But the 31-year-old former England international told the Manchester Evening News the condition was improving.
"I still have a bit of blurred vision in my right eye but I am starting to step up training and I just want to get myself ready for next season," he said.
"I am aiming to take part fully in our first session of pre-season. Hopefully I will get through that and I will then be ready to start the season."
Manchester-born Scholes, who has spent his career at Old Trafford, has started over 400 games for United and scored 130 goals for the club.
"Obviously you are concerned originally when you are told it is serious and you have to rest.
"But in my own mind I was always confident I would be back playing again. I know that is not definite yet but I am pretty sure it will happen.
"I don't know whether the vision in the eye will be completely clear ever again but whatever vision I have left in the right eye I would still be able to play. It is not clear but I can see enough to play football I hope."
Scholes retired from international football following the European Championship in 2004 after winning 66 England caps and scoring 14 times.