Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is hopeful that he will return to maximum fitness after the international break.
The 23-year-old has featured in eight of the team's nine games this season, but believes that he is still short of match fitness.
"I'm definitely getting there and I should be properly ready by the time the next game comes around," the Shields Gazette quotes Rodwell as saying.
"The first few games, you're just feeling your way in and getting your fitness – I still am, but I am feeling better each game, and after the international break hopefully I will be back to 100%."
Rodwell moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester City for around £10m in the summer.
