Joey Barton hopes to make his Newcastle United debut against former club Everton.
The England midfielder is almost fully recovered from a broken foot injury suffered in preseason and told The Journal: "When I finally get back is the million dollar question for me.
"That's the target at the moment and it's obviously an exciting one for me. That has given me an aim and I'm pushing to be involved in the squad for that one."
Barton added: "Even when I'm fit again I might have to wait for my chance to get into the midfield because the players in those positions have been playing well and I'm not going to assume anything.
"I joined this club because I thought I could be successful and win trophies, I don't see any reason why that view should change from what I've seen so far this season.
"There is obviously a lot of work to be done, but we are starting to get a strong squad with competition for places. That is the way to be successful, as Arsenal showed in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night."
