PRE-SEASON training has effectively started for Rob Hall as the winger enters what is hoped will be the final stage of his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Oxford United signed the 22-year-old in July in the knowledge he would miss at least the first two months of the season.

Pinning down an accurate return date after a cruciate ligament problem is notoriously difficult.

But Hall, who hobbled into the club to sign his contract, has since made great strides with U’s sports scientists Andrew Proctor and Scott Daly.

“I’m hoping I’ve only got a little time yet,” the former West Ham United apprentice said.

“It’s kind of like my pre-season has started now, so maybe it’s six to eight weeks (until he plays again).

“To me that doesn’t sound that long after what I’ve already done, but I still need to tick a lot of boxes with Scott and Procs.

“We talk all the time about what I need to do.”

Hall sustained the injury in training while on loan at MK Dons, who host United tomorrow.

Considering he lives nearby in Aylesbury, you might think it would be a good opportunity to watch from the stands.

But nothing takes priority over the intensive rehabilitation programme.

Hall said: “I’d like to go, but it depends on what I’m doing at the training ground.

“I’ll be in doing my rehab and that’s the main concern for me – if I can go I will.

“I’ll always have love for the club.

“I know we got relegated last year but it was still a good year for me.

“It was a place I enjoyed my football. I have respect for everyone there.”

While there was little surprise parent club Bolton Wanderers released him in May, many thought it would pave a way for a permanent move to the Dons.

But in explaining the decision to sign for Michael Appleton’s side, Hall was clear he felt it would offer him the best environment to make a full recovery.

After two months of work with the backroom staff, the pacy wide man is pleased he went with his gut feeling.

He said: “Procs has really taken me to a new level in my injury.

“Coming here injured is a hard thing, but he has made me feel I can recover and be a better player than I was before.

“I’m weighing a bit more in the right way – muscle.

“I think it’s something I’ve needed my whole career.

“I’ve been quite lightweight but hopefully now we’ve nipped that in the bud and I think I look a bit bigger.”

Despite relatively smooth progress so far, Hall admits to a few doubts.

“I do have that thing in the back of my head ‘when will I have a setback?’ because I know these things can happen,” he said.

“Everything so far has been very good, but I get looked after so well here.

“I can’t thank Procs enough for what he’s done on and off the pitch.

“Even when I’ve got a day off he’s the first one to text me.

“He’s one of my good friends and we talk about everything, which puts my mind at rest.”