It was initially feared that Peel would be out until 2009

Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel has targeted a return to action in new club Sale's August friendly with Leeds.

The Lions star, 26, who has 61 caps, injured his shoulder at the end of last season and was originally expected to be out until the end of the year.

But he has made a quicker-than-expected return from keyhole surgery.

"I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I'll be fit for the start of the season. There was doubt but surgery and rehab have gone well," said Peel.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Dwayne Peel

Wales are now likely to have their two leading number nines in contention for the autumn internationals against South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Australia, Mike Phillips making a good recovery after his knee reconstruction.

"All I want is an injury-free season for club and country," said Peel, who last played for Wales against Italy in February.

"I still want to play for Wales and that doesn't change by moving to Sale. It is just a case of playing club rugby in the Guinness Premiership."