Campbell nears Sunderland recall

Fraizer Campbell: Sunderland striker on the way back to full fitness

Fraizer Campbell insists he will not rush his recovery as he nears full fitness after 17 months out for Sunderland.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since August 2010 after he suffered a second knee injury, just as he was returning from a cruciate injury lay-off.

Campbell played and scored for the reserves last week and is almost at the point where he can be considered for first-team action.

However, following the length of time he has been out, the former England Under 21 international is determined not to rush his comeback.

"It's always good to get a goal, but the most important thing is making sure the knee is all right," said Campbell.

Half-hearted

"I have been training for a while and the big thing is that these things take time.

"As much as I want to be back playing, I know everyone's got to be talking to each other to make sure the knee is sound.

"I'm almost having to hold myself back. This is one of the worst parts - those final few weeks just seem to drag, but I know I have to take it steady."

He added: "The training-ground matches have helped me, I haven't felt sluggish or anything.

"But rushing things results in niggles. When I come back I want to be at my best, I don't want to be half-hearted."

Thankful

Campbell's progressed has encouraged new boss Martin O'Neill who has been without a fruitful striker since taking over on Wearside.

The former Manchester United starlet could well provide the solution to that problem, but O'Neill is adopting a cautious approach to restoring him to competitive action.

"Fraizer played for about an hour and, by all accounts, came through it well," he told the Sunday Sun.

"I'm just thankful that he is around and hopefully that will be the end of his serious injury problems - that's the main thing.

"And if it takes him a little bit of time to bed in, so be it."