Forrester has won two England caps

Gloucester forward James Forrester says he is cautiously optimistic about returning to competitive action before the start of the Premiership season.

The number eight, 27, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that he is not rushing his return after spending 15 months out recovering from knee surgery.

"I've done pretty much everything [in training] the last few weeks," he said.

"It's going well but when you've had a year like this you don't want to get too excited, just take it slowly."

He added: "I'm taking it a week at a time. Obviously it's a big injury so I don't want to do anything stupid."

Hopefully I'll get some game time but even with the injuries it's still a competitive back row James Forrester

Forrester's return is a boost for Gloucester after Gareth Delve and Akapusi Qera both went under the knife during the close season.

"Hopefully I'll get some game time but even with the injuries it's still a competitive back row, so I'm going to have to work hard," Forrester added.

"I want to perform to as high a standard as I can straight away, I don't want to use any excuses."