I'm still on track, says Barry

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Gareth Barry says he is feeling positive ahead of another week of intensive treatment before a specialist assesses his chances for making it to the World Cup in South Africa.

The midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage during City's defeat by Tottenham a fortnight ago and is currently trying different methods to help him return to fitness in time for the start of England's campaign on June 12.

A combination of blood injections, oxygen treatments and work on the soft tissue around the affected area are being tried to give Fabio Capello the option of picking one of his most regular selections as part of his final 23-man squad.

While the rest of the provisional squad train in Austria, Gareth has stayed behind to work with City's medical staff in his bid for fitness.

He said: “The treatment on my ankle has been going well – I’ve been having regular sessions with the medical staff at Carrington, and they are pleased with how things are going.

“It’s too early to assess just yet as to whether I’ll make it, I’ll just have to keep having the treatment and see how things go over the next week or so. But I’m feeling positive still and the medical staff are being brilliant – they are doing everything they can to help me.”

mcfc.co.uk