Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan has stepped up his recovery from injury and hopes to be back in full training with the Newcastle Jets soon.
The 37-year-old suffered ankle ligament and cartilage damage during the Jets' FFA Cup quarter-final clash with Adelaide United in September.
“Hopefully I’m on the pitch next week," Hoolahan told NBN News.
“If all goes well today, then I’ll be running on Monday. It’s been great. Everyday, it’s getting stronger and I’m enjoying getting on the alter-g treadmill.
“No pain whatsoever. Touch wood, it’s all going well. I’m working quite closely with physiotherapists Nathan Renwick and Owen James at the Jets and hopefully, they can get me back on the pitch soon.”
The former Norwich and Bohemians player says he's been staying positive and making the most of his four-months on the sidelines:
“It’s been nice being able to spend time with my family. I’ve been at the beach a lot and I’ve seen a lot of Australia since I’ve been here, so that’s one lucky thing to have.
“Well, to be fair, the family were buzzing because it meant I had a lot of time to spend at home with them. Obviously, for myself it’s disappointing because I wanted to come out here and play some football, but that hasn’t happened yet.
“I still feel quite sharp, and the body feels good. It’s been a bit of a setback, but I’ve worked really hard in the last couple of months to get ready and I’m looking to playing with the boys and getting to experience the Hyundai A-League.”
