Kieran Richardson has revealed that he is nearing a return to full fitness.

The Fulham winger has struggled for minutes on the pitch since he joined the Whites from fellow Premier League side Sunderland in August.

However, having undergone a series of sessions with the club's medical staff, the former Manchester United midfielder feels that he is getting close to his best shape.

"I'm slowly getting there," he told the club's official website. "The fitness coaches have been working with me over the last few weeks and they've been top drawer. Hopefully by the time of the Aston Villa game I'll be fully up to speed.

"It was frustrating [being injured] but we've got great physios here and a great rehab team and they've been tremendous for me."

Richardson came off the bench to score during yesterday's 2-2 draw with Southampton.