Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has admitted that his injury troubles have been difficult to deal with but is hopeful that he can return in time for pre-season training.

The 26-year-old suffered an Achilles injury back in December and has been forced to watch from the sidelines as Alan Pardew's Magpies strive for Champions League qualification.

However, the centre-half is now on the road to recovery and has thanked his teammates and the Newcastle medical staff for their support during his layoff.

"For the first two weeks after I did it, I was at my mam and dad's and you don't realise how useless you feel. You're on crutches and I couldn't move around the place. It has been a long, long road," Taylor told The Independent.

"The medical staff have been brilliant. It would have been so much harder without them, and the coaching staff and the gaffer have kept me around the lads.

"Every day they ask how I am and that is a big encouragement. I should be back ready for pre-season training and it has taken a lot of hard work."

Taylor has made 202 appearances for the Tyneside club since making his debut in 2004.