Fraser Forster is edging closer to a Saints comeback after returning to training with the rest of the goalkeeping unit.

Forster has been out since March after suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

He is ahead of schedule for his recovery and has now started training with Dave Watson and the rest of the keepers.

Though there is no likelihood of a first team return until the New Year, Saints will look to get Forster involved in some of the first team sessions in the coming weeks, and then try and get him some game time in the under-21s.

“Fraser Forster is doing well,” said Saints boss Ronald Koeman.

“Thursday morning he was with the rest of the goalkeepers doing the session and I think already it is ten days that he had four or five good goalkeeper sessions with Dave Watson.

“The planning is that he will be part of the sessions in the next two weeks.

“The first game will be in the under-21s or we have to organise a friendly but it’s difficult because we need to play a lot in the next couple of weeks.

“He’s doing well, he’s really confident and everybody is happy how Fraser did his time and his mentality to come back as soon as possible.”