BLACKBURN midfielder David Thompson has been given the all-clear to step up his comeback plans following a flying visit to America.

The former Liverpool star went to the States for a consultation with top US surgeon Richard Steadman, the man who performed a career-saving operation on the 26-year-old three months ago.

And during the three-day visit, Thompson was told he's on course to make a full recovery from the knee injury that has blighted the last 12 months of his career.

He has now been given permission to begin strengthening work in the gym at Brockhall and he could even start running again in six weeks' time, which means he should be ready for a first-team return at the start of next season.

"Everything went very well," said Thompson.

"The surgeon was really pleased with it. He said the knee looked good and the signs are really positive so it's a case of building the muscle up now.

"I know there's a lot of hard work ahead but once I've built up the muscle then I can start running again.

"I've got six weeks of strengthening work then I can start running after that so I'm not going to play again this season but I should be ready to come back in July with the rest of the boys then I can go from there."

Thompson has been dogged by injury problems for well over a year now.

At first, his knee used to swell up after training or playing in a game but eventually the pain got so bad that the decision was taken to have surgery last January.

That initial operation appeared to have been successful and Thompson made his comeback at the start of this season.

But two months into the campaign, the old problems began to resurface, which is when he decided to visit Steadman, the man credited with saving the careers of Steven Gerrard and Ruud van Nistelrooy, and the US surgeon performed a second operation.

"I'm encouraged by what he said this time," said Thompson.

"To be honest, I knew before I went out there that the signs were good.

"This is the first time I've seen my knee looking this good since the first few months after I signed.

"There's no sign of swelling at all which is great so hopefully my problems are behind me now and it's just a case of building my fitness up again.

"The last year or so has been so frustrating. I've forgotten what it's like to kick a ball.

"I was hoping he was going to say I could come back a little bit earlier but it's a long process and they are very strict about what I can and cannot do."

Thompson now faces many long hours ahead in the gym at Brockhall but won't be short of company as both Barry Ferguson and Jay McEveley are also recovering from knee injuries, having broken and dislocated kneecaps respectively.

"Me, Fergie and Jay are all at a similar stage now but those two will probably be back before me," added Thompson

"I'm glad that things are moving in the right direction but I'm still disappointed that I've been out for longer than them.

"There's no point in feeling sorry for yourself, though.

"It still gets me down that I'm not out there playing with everyone else but I've just got to get on with it.

"I'm in the best possible hands and the help and support I've been given has been unbelievable."

Meanwhile, defender Craig Short has been told he is guaranteed a job at Sheffield United next season if he fails to agree a new contract with Rovers.

Blades boss Neil Warnock is a huge fan of the 35-year-old centre-half having worked with him at both Scarborough and Notts County and he has admitted he would love to take him to Bramall Lane this summer.

"I've told Craig that I'll always have him here," said Warnock.

"He can come here whenever he wants.

"In fact, I've told him not to bother signing an extension at Blackburn - he'd be better off with us!

"But, seriously, he's a terrific player and a smashing lad. He's got a lot more football in him yet."

Short's current contract is due to run out in the summer and Rovers have yet to open talks about a new one.