Ireland hopes to make Magpies debut soon

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

The Republic of Ireland 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.

The 24-year-old revealed he had been expecting to return early in March, but encouraging progress this week means his recovery is now ahead of schedule.