Dan Carter eyeing All Blacks return

After a sabbatical and a broken leg, Carter was included in New Zealand's 34-man squad for next month's Tests against United States, England, Scotland and Wales.

Carter has not featured for the All Blacks since November last year after the Crusaders star suffered a broken right fibula in the 2014 Super Rugby final against the New South Wales Waratahs in August.

The 32-year-old is set to return to the national fold in New Zealand's season-ending tour and while Carter is still feeling some discomfort, he is confident of featuring against USA at Soldier Field in Chicago.

"It's a frustrating injury this one, I'm able to train and do everything, but it's just contact that sets me back a little bit," Carter said before flying out to the United States from Auckland Airport.

"I haven't been in a situation where I've given it a knock or anything the last couple of weeks. It is improving which is encouraging.

"I'm confident I'll get some game time on the track - exactly when I'm not sure. But I'm looking forward to getting to Chicago, putting it through its paces and see exactly where we're at."

Carter added: "I'm preparing to play that game. Obviously I have to wait for selection.

"But I'm confident and the medical team are confident that I'll be able be selected for that game. That's what we're targeting."