Stuart Holden has said that he hopes to be able to return to the field with Bolton Wanderers in the New Year.
The United States international has played just one game in the last 18 months with the first team due to an ongoing knee complaint.
The 27-year-old told Sky Sports News: "The first team is the main goal, I don't want to play in the reserves for the rest of the year.
"I have been doing all the work that I can, extra running, and doing well in the training but nothing replicates being in a match. We are probably looking in the New Year.
"I have been so hesitant to put a timescale on things because of how the last 14 months have gone. There have been so many ups and downs, when I think I'm there I'm not quite there and this time I know that I am there but I want to make sure I don't go back two steps again."
Holden joined Bolton from MLS side Houston Dynamo in 2009.
Sian Cowper
