Swansea City midfielder Owain Tudur Jones is close to a comeback

The talented Wales Under-21 midfielder was limited to just three league appearances for the Swans last season.

But Jones, who recently returned from Colorado to see US surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, says he is close to a return.

"I recently flew out to America for a scan on the knee and everything seems to be OK," said Jones.

"I was lucky enough to see the doctor Richard Steadman again and things went well.

"Due to everything that has happened and the weakness in the muscles around the knee I've developed a bit of tendonitis.

It's been quite a lonely time and I can't wait to get back out there Owain Tudur Jones

"But generally it is good news I think. The tendonitis is quite curable and I have to work hard now in the summer months and work on my thigh muscles so that they are strong enough to support the knee."

Jones is determined not to rush back too soon considering his past problems, but he does hope to be running again by pre-season.

He said: "I'll be in the gym most days over the summer and if all the strength work goes well, I'll be able to start running around the same sort of time everyone comes back from pre-season.

"I'll probably do my own pre-season with the physio as it'll probably be a bit much to join in with the lads that soon.

"But whether I'm back for the first game of the season or for September it doesn't really matter as long as everything is OK and that my legs are strong enough to support the knee."

Jones also revealed his frustration at missing out on most of Swansea City's 2006/07 campaign - a season that saw them fall just short of the League One play-off zone.

He said: "I can't stress how difficult it has been but the important thing is not to let it affect you too much.