UK Athletics head coach Peter Eriksson has branded Paula Radcliffe "a very talented athlete" ahead of a possible return to the field in 2013.

The 38-year-old was ruled out of the Olympics in the summer due to a foot injury, but is keen on a return to action next year.

"I know she had an operation on her foot and it will take some time for her to get back to running, but I see it as very positive if she is still hungry to perform," Eriksson told the BBC.

"The athletes know by themselves when it's time to retire and they have to come to terms with that on their own, it's nothing you force people into. She is a very talented athlete and if she is hungry to race then I think that's great for us."

Radcliffe has raced just one marathon since 2009.