Gareth Barry is hoping that he can return to action as soon as possible.

The Manchester City midfielder underwent a stomach operation earlier this summer after the injury had forced him to withdraw from England's Euro 2012 squad.

Having begun his recovery, the 31-year-old has refused to put a date on his return to regular action.

"Early signs are really good, the scars have healed really well, but we'll see how I feel when I start playing again. Fingers crossed it will all have healed up," he told the club's official website

"I think the worst of it's over now, there will be a two week healing process and I've started my rehab to try and get fit and catch up with the rest of the lads.

"I don't really want to put a timescale on it, but hopefully I'll be ready for the main games starting."

Barry joined City in 2009 from Aston Villa.