BUDDING football star Mitch Cooper wishes he could run onto Stockland Stadium Sunshine Coast on Sunday for the United for Daniel All-Star clash, but he has an A-League return to think about.

The Sunshine Coast product and Newcastle Jets attacking midfielder will appear at the Morcombe Foundation Fundraiser but will not take the pitch as he continues his recovery from injury.

Cooper is making great strides on the comeback trail after undergoing a knee reconstruction following a training mishap last season.

He began running on Tuesday, about two months ahead of schedule, and hopes to be back on the pitch in November.

The now 18-year-old rose to prominence last year when he became the youngest player to captain a national football side when he lead out the now defunct Gold Coast United on debut against Melbourne Heart.

He represented Australia at the FIFA under-17 World Cup and is considered a prospect for the Rio Olympics.

The former Maroochydore Swans and Sunshine Coast Rebels player said he would love a chance to ply his trade on his old stomping ground, but will be restricted to sideline duties, with his sister Alisha to take the field in his stead.

"I just started back, I'm taking things step by step," he said.

"It's baby steps at the moment, but it's all really positive."

The All Stars clash will feature the likes of ironman Ali Day and former NRL stars Chris Flannery and Adam Mogg as well as local celebrities and politicians.

The game is at 2pm.

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