Football story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:03 GMT



Sunderland's Scotland international goalkeeper Craig Gordon is hopeful of being ready for the start of the new season, as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.The 26-year-old suffered both knee and ankle problems last season and lost his starting spot at the Stadium of Light to Marton Fulop as a result.



Gordon told the club's official website: "It's not going too badly. I'm slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things.



"I'm at the rehab phase now, just getting the knee used to the rigours of the training that we can expect over the next few weeks.



"The operation was to clean the knee of debris, smooth the surfaces, making sure that everything was working properly again.



"Now it's a case of building up the muscles around it and getting back into training as soon as possible.



"You don't really want to be doing that when it's meant to be your holidays and it's next week when the rest of the guys are back.



"While they have been still enjoying their time off, I have been back here working hard and making sure I will be ready for the new season.



"But that's what you have to do. Nobody wants to be injured at any time, but you have to put the effort in and get yourself back as quickly as possible.



"Hopefully I will be ready for the start of the season."