GRETAR Steinsson hopes to start pre-season in top gear after undergoing a minor operation in Iceland.

The full-back admits he struggled at the end of last season, playing in pain because of a knee problem.

But he is now back on track to join the rest of the squad at the start of July when they report at Euxton for training after the summer break.

“I had the operation done a few days after the end of the season and have been into the club already doing strength and fitness work, so I can hit the ground running in pre-season,” he said.

“Something wasn’t right in my knee and I needed to have the operation done because, from January to May, I couldn’t train as much as the rest of the squad, even though I was still able to play.

“I went to see a surgeon who I trusted because he has helped me before, so I am glad he had the time for me and that my recovery is now ahead of schedule.”

Steinsson has also tipped team-mate Chung-Yong Lee to be a big hit at the World Cup for South Korea.

“I want to see as much of him as possible and I think he will have a great tournament,” the defender said. “He deserves to because he’s a great lad, who is polite, works really hard and goes about everything in a professional manner.

“I’ll try and watch all the games when my team-mates play, so obviously that includes England’s first match against USA when Stuart Holden should hopefully feature.”