Soccer:Stephen Ireland is hoping to make his first appearance for Newcastle sooner rather than later after being sidelined since joining the Magpies on loan from Aston Villa during the transfer window.

Ireland is eyeing a return to full training by the end of next week. The 24-year-old had been expecting to return from a knee injury early in March, but encouraging progress this week means his recovery is now ahead of schedule.

“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.

“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,” added Ireland, who joined Newcastle until the end of season on transfer deadline day.

The midfielder 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.”