Fraser Forster could return to full first team training in the next four to five weeks after making rapid progress in his recovery from injury.

The £10m goalkeeper has been out since March after undergoing major surgery on his left patellar tendon.

Forster has made a quicker than expected recovery, and is making noticeable progress every day.

He is now starting to train again with goalkeeping Dave Watson, and Ronald Koeman is optimistic that in about a month’s time Forster will be able to rejoin the first team squad, when his recovery will be stepped up a further notch.

“Everybody is happy how he is and how he is recovering well,” said Koeman.

“We know it is a long time and it takes time to recover to 100 per cent. He will come back.

“He can be part of the group in four-to-five weeks.

“He’s coming back from April which is a long time.

“He needs continued training and his first game will be in the under-21s.

“That’s the same for goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, everybody, everyone players for the under-21s.”

He added: “He’s doing very good. Everything is going to plan, it is fast.

“I don’t say he will be back in four weeks but it’s going good.

“He worked very hard and is already training with Dave Watson and that’s real goalkeeper sessions.”

Saints signed Maarten Stekelenburg as cover for Forster and the Dutchman has proved a very reliable performer for the team.

Though Forster is certainly seen as the long term Saints number one, the form of Stekelenburg at least means there is no need to hurry the England international back too soon, even if Koeman admits he would love to have him at his disposal.

“I like to have all the players available. On one side the decisions are more difficult but you have more options,” he said.

“Fraser is a great goalkeeper, we need him tomorrow, not in the future.

“We need everybody, we have a good squad, for the tough Premier League.”