Rio Ferdinand could return to action for Manchester United immediately after the forthcoming international break.
Seven days ago, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested it would be the end of September before the England skipper could contemplate a comeback after suffering a knee ligament injury in training prior to the World Cup.
But Ferdinand has been spurred on to quicken his recovery and after getting himself back onto the training ground this week, Ferguson is looking for a game at some point over the next fortnight to test his fitness.
"Rio hadn't done anything football-wise when I spoke last week," said the United boss.
"When he read what I said maybe it gave him a kick. But he has come in and trained this week and done fantastic. He will train with the reserves today. He won't be involved tomorrow, of course, but we have to try to think when we can get a game with him in the next two weeks - he is that close."
United's reserves do have a Manchester Senior Cup tie with Oldham on Wednesday which would fit the bill, although Ferguson does have the option of arranging a behind-closed-doors friendly.
