Downes, who joined Cheltenham in May 2015, has been out with an ACL injury since January.

The Robins were promoted back into England's League Two after winning the National League in the 2015/2016 season.

Downes told FourFourTwo his recovery is on schedule and he can’t wait to get back on the field after such a long lay-off.

“The knee is coming along really good,” the 31-year old said.

“I'm hopeful of training next week and then need a good six to eight weeks of training and reserve games before I get back involved in the first-team. But it’s getting closer now and can't wait to get back training and playing. I’m chomping at the bit.”

Downes, who knows the League Two division well, said Cheltenham don’t just want to make up the numbers this season. The Mudgee-born centre back believes successive promotions is achievable.

“You never as a player go into a season to just consolidate and stay up,” Downes said.

“So yeah our aim is to gain another promotion. The manager, board and players are very ambitious and determined.

"We have seen other clubs like Bristol Rovers last season gain back to back promotions without needing to change the squad too much, we have the momentum and confidence from last season and our aim is to take that into the new season and ride it as long as possible.”

The Robins open their League Two campaign this Saturday at home against Leyton Orient.