Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate is back in training and could make a shock return to action before the end of the season.
The centre-back's career hung in the balance over the summer as he once again found himself sidelined with a long-term injury.
Further doubts were cast over his future in the game when he was left out of Spurs' 25-man Premier League squad.
Harry Redknapp even admitted at one stage that Woodgate had reached the point where retirement was a distinct possibility.
The former England international appears to have finally got to the bottom of his troubles, though, and is on course to make a sensational comeback.
Redknapp has revealed that the 29-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation from a long-standing groin problem and could figure again before the 2010/11 campaign comes to a close.
"It's fantastic for him," said the Spurs boss.
"It's the first time in 18 months or so that there's been a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for him."
Pressed on whether Woodgate could play again this term, he added: "He could do if he keeps progressing."
