Michael Svensson has moved another step closer to a remarkable playing comeback with Southampton.

The 32-year-old centre-half is on the comeback trail after being sidelined for the best part of four years with a succession of knee problems.

Svensson is no longer on Saints' books after his contract expired in 2007, but the club have continued to help the Swede in his fitness fight and he has been a regular at their training ground.

And after coming through an hour's training with the Saints' squad on Tuesday, coaching staff at the club feel he still has a chance of pulling on the red and white shirt again.

"Michael did well to come through his first group training session," coach Mark Wotte told the club's official website.

"We are hopeful that, by following his dedicated training schedule, he will push on during pre-season and may even feature in one of the later friendlies."