Jimmy Bullard

Jimmy Bullard remains on course to make his first-team comeback for Fulham at Christmas.

The midfielder has been sidelined for over 12 months after suffering a serious knee injury against Newcastle United at the start of September 2006.

He is making progress in his rehabilitation and has recently paid another visit to renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in America.

Bullard believes his recovery is on schedule, telling Sky Sports News: "It's going well.

"I went to see Dr Steadman last week - that's the knee surgeon I've been with - and he said he wants me to finish my rehab, which is another three months down the line.

"Hopefully by then I'd have reached the end and hopefully be playing."

Asked when he expected to play again, Bullard replied: "By Christmas.

"I'm looking at Christmas, which I've said all the time to be honest. The injury was going to take 15 months to get right to play a Premier League game.

"I'm looking to play by Christmas and I should be there or thereabouts."