Hargreaves targets England return

Hargreaves has been out for 13 months (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has set his sights on a return to the England team as he approaches the "final hurdle" of his rehabilitation from injury.

The 28-year-old has been out for 13 months with tendinitis in his knees but is close to a comeback following work in America with specialist Dr Richard Steadman.

"It's looking very well," he said on ITV.

"I want to make sure this last hurdle is successful and hope I'll be back with the team very soon."

Hargreaves' recovery is being monitored by England boss Fabio Capello, who last had the former Bayern Munich midfielder available for the friendly win over USA in May 2008.

After being voted England's player of the tournament for the 2006 World Cup, Hargreaves wants to be part of the 2010 finals in South Africa.

"It is a very exciting time just being part of the England set-up," said Hargreaves.

"We have a fantastic group of players and a successful manager. We have had a great qualifying campaign, which we didn't have for Euro 2008.

"This was the first hurdle, and it's a shame I couldn't have been part of it more. I hope I can get back to being healthy and play some great games for Manchester United, then get back into the England team."