Leeds United Michael Bridges is eyeing the start of the Premiership after returning to pre-season training three weeks before his team-mates.

The former Sunderland man has endured a nightmare 18 months after suffering career-threatening knee and ankle ligament injuries.

Bridges returned to United's Thorp Arch training complex earlier this week and is being put through his paces by the coaching staff before joining up with the rest of the Leeds squad on their return early next month.

The 23-year-old striker said: "I have a programme designed for the summer to help build my fitness. I will be here nine-to-five.

"I intend to stick to it and hopefully I will then be available for selection at the start of the season.""

Bridges was Leeds' top scorer with 21 goals in his debut season at Elland Road in 1999-2000. A serious ankle ligament injury sustained in October, 2000, halted Bridges' progress before an aborted return for the reserves saw the unlucky striker hit by a knee injury that ruled him out for a further year.

Bridges made a long overdue return to first team action when playing the final 15 minutes in Gary Kelly's testimonial friendly clash with Celtic last month.

Leeds have announced the details of their away season tickets for the coming season with adults receiving tickets for all 19 away League games for £505. The Under-16s' price is £315.

Existing away season ticket holders have until July 17 to renew ahead of new applicants. Leeds United will restrict the number of away season ticket holders to 500.

Updated: 11:27 Wednesday, June 19, 2002