By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Ryan Taylor is targeting a return to training on Monday, with the defender confident of being fit to face Wolves next weekend.

Stretchered off against Aston Villa earlier this month, having taken a hefty knock to his leg in the build up to Demba Ba's opening goal, there were fears that Taylor could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

But the diagnosis was much better than expected, and nearly a fortnight's worth of work with United's medical staff has left the 27-year-old feeling positive.

"I've had a few tough days with Hendo (Dave Henderson, Newcastle physio), but I've come through with no problems so I am hoping to be back in training with the lads on Monday morning," he told nufc.co.uk.

"I'm itching to be back if I'm honest because there's nothing worse than being out injured.

"It wasn't anywhere near as bad as first feared, thankfully. I went off and there was a lot of precaution being took to make sure that I was fine.

"When they took my sock off, the lump that stuck out of the side of my leg was quite worrying, But after X-rays and scans it has settled down nicely and, touch wood, I'll be fine."

The Magpies are without a fixture this weekend due to not being involved in the latter stages of the FA Cup. And while some players will be frustrated at a Saturday without a match, for Taylor it is ideal.

"If we had a game this weekend then I might have been touch and go, but this way I can concentrate on next week now and I know I can be right," he explained.

"So it's nice for me, whereas for some players that might not be the case. I don't feel like I have to rush back."