Gymnast Daniel Keatings wants early return from injury

Keatings was expected to be out for nine months after his injury in May

European champion Daniel Keatings says he hopes to make an earlier comeback from his knee injury than expected.

The 20-year-old gymnast from Corby needed surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament after a fall in training.

"I can't say for definite but I hope to be back in six months," Keatings told BBC Radio Northampton.

"It gives me time to improve pieces like my rings and high bar. I can push my conditioning because I don't have any competitions coming up."

Keatings added: "My knee is going to heal perfectly and it might be even better.

"With the right rehab, it could be a lot stronger than it was before. I had a bad injury in 2006 and I overcame it, so I know what to expect and how to keep positive."

Keatings will miss the World Championships in Rotterdam in October, but is focused on building towards success in the major events leading up to the 2012 Olympics.

"Whereas other people are working on their routines and consistency, I can be working on new elements to make my stuff even better."