Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury by playing 45 minutes for the club's reserves this afternoon.

The 28-year-old has been out of action since sustaining the complaint during a Carling Cup tie against Scunthorpe United in August.

However, the former Watford centre-forward may now be in contention for Newcastle's home match against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

"I feel completely fine. That was the plan today - to play 45, to get myself back in and try and get the cobwebs out and then train on Thursday and Friday," Williamson told his club's official website.

"It reminded me of what I've been missing. It was good and I enjoyed it. It was great to get the boots back on and now that I'm back, hopefully I can just get fitter.

"Injuries are frustrating but it's just part and parcel of football. It has been really good to see the team doing so well and enjoying the plaudits that they deserve for working so hard."

Williamson joined the Magpies in 2010 from Portsmouth.