Sunderland forward Fraizer Campbell is edging closer to a return from a 16-month layoff with injury.

The 24-year-old suffered cruciate ligament damage against Manchester City in August 2010, but has failed to overcome the problem following a setback eight months later.

While Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill has no intentions of rushing the striker back to the first team, Campbell is hoping to return to Premier League action by the end of the month, according to the Daily Star.

The former England Under-21s player netted a goal for the Sunderland reserves on Monday.