Ireland closing in on Newcastle debut

18 February 2011 12:00

Newcastle loanee Stephen Ireland is eyeing a return to full training by the end of next week.

The midfielder, who joined from Aston Villa on a deal until the end of season on transfer deadline day, has yet to feature for his new club due to a knee injury.

"We thought it would be a couple of weeks," Ireland told club website nufc.co.uk. "But I went running outside [on Thursday] at a decent level and decent pace, and I reckon it could be by the end of next week hopefully."

He added: "I've just got to do a few more sessions and then see how far I can push it. If it goes well then I could be back soon.

"I haven't got any specific game in mind. I've just got to take a day at a time really, because one day it could feel amazing and then the next day really bad.

"It's quite strange, but I have to see how I feel on a day-to-day basis."

Ireland failed to hold down a first-team berth at Villa following his summer transfer from Manchester City and is eyeing a run in the Magpies' starting XI when he does finally return to full fitness.

"After two weeks at a club you want to be getting involved in the playing and training, but I'm not far away," he continued.

"I didn't come here just to get treatment - I came here to play. Thankfully things are getting right now and I'm almost there."

Source: PA