ROBBIE Savage has been given the green light to start pre-season training on Monday after a surgeon confirmed he has made a full recovery from a broken leg.

Blackburn Rovers' midfield enforcer fractured his right fibula as a result of a horror challenge from Watford's Al Bangura in January, an injury that forced him to miss the second half of last season.

However, an X-ray yesterday revealed the bone has now completely healed, so Savage is now ready to join in with the rest of the squad after declaring he feels the fittest he has ever felt going into pre-season training.

"I saw the surgeon yesterday and he said the bone has now healed 100 per cent, so I can't wait to start training with the rest of the lads when they come back next week," said the 32-year-old.

"I've been working hard with the medical staff all summer so from a physical point of view, I probably feel fitter now than I have ever done going into pre-season.

"The surgeon said to make a full recovery in five months from the type of injury that I've had is a great achievement, and it just proves that if you work hard enough at something then you'll get your rewards."

Savage openly admitted to suffering from bouts of depression during the weeks immediately after he suffered the injury earlier this year, but the unstinting support of Rovers' medical staff, coupled with heart-warming messages of encouragement from the fans, helped to pull the midfielder out of the doldrums, and he was soon able to re-focus his mind on a painstaking rehabilitation programme that involved long hours in the gym.

"I owe a lot to a lot of people here - the physios, the doctor, and my surgeon, John Hodgkinson, who between them have probably saved my career.

"The break was worse than I first realised - the bone was shattered - but thanks to the support of all the medical staff, I've been able to make a full recovery.

"In fact, the bone in my right leg is now stronger than the one in my left leg, and my right calf is also bigger than my other one.

"Of course, I could still pick up the odd niggly injury once I start full training again, but at least I know now that my leg is fully recovered, which is a big relief."

News of Savage's recovery is a major boost for manager Mark Hughes, and the Rovers boss could well include him in his plans for the Intertoto Cup next month, providing he doesn't suffer any further setbacks.

Before that, however, Savage is targeting the pre-season friendly with Wrexham on July 10 as the date for a possible playing comeback.

"I'd love to be involved in that game. I grew up supporting Wrexham so to go back there as a Premiership player with Blackburn and Mark Hughes would be a massive occasion for me."

Meanwhile, Savage has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Wigan by insisting he is happy at Rovers'.

Latics boss Chris Hutchings is thought to be a big admirer of the former Welsh international, and he was reported to be ready to offer Henri Camara as part of a swap-deal for the midfielder.

However, Savage has told the Wigan chief he is not interested in quitting Rovers.

He added: "I'm very happy here. The club have been great to me whilst I've been out injured and I feel like I've got unfinished business here."