Left-back Bouma missed the entire domestic season after dislocating an ankle during an Intertoto Cup tie with BK Odense at Villa Park last July.

The Dutch international played a trio of reserve matchea at the tail-end of the season only to suffer a reaction which required keyhole surgery. But Bouma is adamant his career is not over and he is stepping up his rehabilitation programme.

start jogging

He said: "I have been doing rehab work for two weeks now and things are going really great. To read stories with that sort of speculation, that I am finishing, is really frustrating because it's progressing well.

"I have had a lot of calls, even from my friends in Holland, asking me about the stories. When people read things like this, some believe them."

Bouma added: "I have to build up slowly now, with some walking and general strengthening, and I hope to start jogging during pre-season. I don't want to rush back. It's got to be right but it's looking good and I'm in good spirits."