James Simpson-Daniel has taken a significant step toward returning to action with Gloucester after running for the first time in more than two months, writes Steve Cotton.

The winger, who underwent ankle surgery in October, ran for 20 minutes on a treadmill under the supervision of Gloucester's physios yesterday - and reported no ill effects.

And the 26-year-old is targeting a return to full training in three weeks, which could put him in line for a playing comeback before the end of January.

"I have just ran for the first time in two-and-a-half months and I ran pretty well considering," said Simpson-Daniel.

"That was a real plus for me, so I am happy with that and hopefully there will be no reaction in the morning.

"If that is the case, then I can continue to up my training, hopefully returning to rugby training in about three weeks.

"I haven't started doing any rugby yet, because I need to keep strengthening my leg. The muscles switched off while I was in a cast, so I have got some work to do.

"But I ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill with the physios checking it over and it felt good."

Simpson-Daniel was injured during the final minutes of his side's 37-24 Heineken Cup defeat at Cardiff on October 19 and has missed Gloucester's last nine matches.

And while they have undoubtedly missed his attacking qualities, they have won eight of those games, offering great hope for when he, Gareth Delve and Akapusi Qera all return early in 2009.

"I think I am aiming to be back at a similar time to Delvey - with Q hopefully not too far behind us," said Simpson-Daniel.

"It's good that everyone has done so well with their respective rehabs and it should put the squad in a good position."

Gloucester take on Saracens at Kingsholm in the Guinness Premiership on Saturday.