Peter Haring hopes he can feature in Hearts' pre-season friendlies before the start of the Betfred Cup in October.
The fan favourite has been sidelined since the Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic in May 2019 and was sorely missed last season as the Jambos were relegated from the Premiership.
But the midfielder is close to making his long awaited return from injury as he was involved in his first full training session with Robbie Neilson's side on Monday.
Haring says he is feeling stronger every day and is positive he's moving in the right direction.
He told Hearts TV : "Obviously I’m really happy to be out on the pitch again, and even to do some sessions with the boys and with the team. I wouldn’t have expected that a few weeks ago but I feel fine.
“I’m not totally (pain) free yet. I still feel bits in some movements but it’s just more getting into the movements and used to playing football really, and getting my body used to everything.
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“I’m taking it quite easy. I was pushing myself way too much last year so I’m just seeing things day by day. So far, everything is improving really good. I’m doing more and more every day and every week. So far I’m really happy.
“I definitely feel in a much better place than I was a few months ago or last year. I’m really positive. Everything’s not perfect yet but as I said I’m doing more and more every day and every week and I’m feeling better every day and every week so that just tells me that I’m moving in the right direction.
“That was my first full session today, with the team where I was involved with everything. I think I need to get more sessions on the training pitches into my legs and get more comfortable in everything before I can see myself in a friendly game but I’m really hopeful that I’ll be in some of them.”
