Stephen Hunt has returned to light training after his foot injury and believes he could be back in action by October.
The Republic of Ireland international joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Hull City in June having not featured for the Tigers since February after picking up the problem playing for them.
Having undergone surgery to correct the issue Hunt has finally returned to light training, much to the relief of manager Mick McCarthy, who has suffered a string of bad luck with injuries recently.
Hunt believes he should be back the week after the October internationals, although says he won't be pushing himself too hard for fear of suffering a setback.
Hunt said: "I've been out on the pitch jogging for the first time since being here.
"It was the first time I'd set foot on the green grass and it was only a slow pace, but it all helps.
"But when I'm back in full training, hopefully I can get a full two weeks then and see where I am after that. The next step will be to get a pre-season under my belt.
"Then there's another international break in October, and hopefully by the time those games come around, I shouldn't be too far away."
Meanwhile, Wolves captain Karl Henry has given his backing to new signing Marcus Bent and believes he will add a new dimension to the team.
Bent has moved to Molineux on loan until January to give manager Mick McCarthy four strikers to choose from following the exits of Chris Iwelumo, Stefan Maierhofer, Sam Vokes and Andy Keogh.
Despite having not been a hit with Birmingham Henry believes Bent can be a success with Wolves and claims he will add something to the team.
"He's a good player who's been there and done it in this division," the skipper told the Express & Star.
"He's played at this level for different clubs and scored goals.
"We lost big Chris in the summer and the gaffer was looking for more of a target man and Marcus has got a lot of experience.
"I think he'll add a lot to the squad."