Craig Gordon has started diving again in training as he edges closer to a Sunderland return.
The Scottish international, 27, stepped up his preparations yesterday by doing some light handling work, including diving.
Reflecting on the session with safc.com, he said: "Yesterday was the first time I was allowed to dive again; hitting the ground again is a big progression for me.
"The crash mats will be out for the first few days and then after that I'll be getting used to hitting the floor again.
"It's a big step forward as I'm getting my body used to things again."
Meanwhile Gordon says he's still at a couple of weeks away from joining in with the rest of the players in full training.
And for now he's content with building up the strength in his arm before even thinking about a return to action.
"It's a case of the more I do it the better I will feel about it. If you dive down and it's not sore, then you can progress that little bit further," he said.
"I'm looking forward to getting this bit out of the way and then I can join in with the lads in training games again. I'd imagine I'm still a week or two away from that, though.
"In the meantime I'll be working on getting myself into the best possible shape with the physios and then the goalkeeping coach."
