Ghana defender, John Paintsil is optimistic of hitting form ahead of the World Cup finals as he recovers from injury.

The Ghana international has not played since sustaining the damage to his right knee.

His injury prevented him from playing for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in January after being laid low while playing in the English league for Fulham against Chelsea back in December.

But with the player set to return to training on Thursday after a three-month injury absence, Paintsil is confident he will be in good form for the Black Stars.

"It is difficult missing the Nations Cup but with me returning from injury now, I can play some four or matches for Fulham before the season ends," the right-back told the BBC.

"This means I will be fully fit and ready to play for my country at the World Cup."

Ghana will face Germany, Serbia and Australia in the group stage of the World Cup which stars on 11 June.

Paintsil's return to action is expected to be a big boost for Ghana coach, Milovan Rajevac with the 28-year-old setting his sights on a getting back to league action for the Cottagers by next month.

"I thank God that things have gone on well for me as I am starting full training from Thursday."

"I have been going through physiotherapy, running and kicking for about three weeks now and I am now ready to join the first team.

"The officials here at Fulham have done an amazing job on my injury and I want to repay the team with good performances when I return hopefully early next month."