Darren Bent claims to be 'on the mend' and has refused to rule out the possibility of making England's squad for Euro 2012.
Striker could put himself in contention for Euro 2012
Darren Bent claims to be 'on the mend' and has refused to rule out the possibility of making England's squad for Euro 2012.
The Aston Villa striker has been sidelined since suffering ankle ligament damage in February.
He has already been ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season, with his 2011/12 Premier League campaign having been brought to an abrupt halt.
Bent is, however, about to step up his recovery and could be back to full fitness by the summer.
He is off crutches and is taking in gym work and swimming sessions in the first part of his rehabilitation programme.
Inkling
There is now an outside chance that he could put himself in contention for a European Championship berth.
Bent is refusing to speculate on whether or not he will be available to the man chosen to lead England's hunt for continental glory, but he is planning to shake off his knock as soon as possible.
He said: "It's too early to say for England. We'll have to wait until I'm outside running and kicking a ball.
"The quicker I'm out on the pitch running, the quicker I can have an inkling about Euro 2012.
"But I am on the mend, can walk without crutches and have just started rehab work in the pool and also doing stuff in the gym as well."
