Jones was the club's player of the year last season

Sunderland manager Roy Keane says striker Kenwyne Jones should return to training within two months.

The 23-year-old had exploratory surgery this week after injuring his knee on 1 June during Trinidad and Tobago's friendly with England.

Jones was expected to be out of action until Christmas but it now seems likely he will be back in training by October.

"It's great news for everyone at the club - Kenwyne is a big player for us," Keane told the club website.

"He had his operation on Monday this week. Fortunately we've avoided major surgery and expect him back in training in the next six to eight weeks.

"You never know the full story until you go into the knee, that's why we've been open in terms of the prognosis."

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Jones's injury update

Jones was hurt after colliding with England goalkeeper David James during his side's 3-0 defeat in June.

Speaking last month, Keane said he expected Jones to miss at least two months of the new season.

Jones, who was voted the club's Player of the Year last season, joined Sunderland from Southampton in August 2007 for �6m, scoring eight goals.