Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is eager to clear up James Milner's foot problem before the start of the new season.

The 22-year-old winger has been out for two months after sustaining the injury at Liverpool and was expected to return in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Everton.

Milner's comeback was put on hold after suffering a slight setback in training and Keegan wants to make sure the injury does not develop into a long-term problem.

"He got right back to being ready to play but when he was shooting last week he felt a slight twinge," Keegan told the clubs official website.

"There is a slight problem with his ankle and he's had an injection. He missed the Everton game because of that but that was only so we can have another good look.

"We will assess it before he goes off on holiday so that he does not come back for pre-season with the same problem.

"We have to look at the long-term picture with people like James."