Newcastle United defender Peter Ramage hopes to be back earlier than expected from knee surgery.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "The recovery is going really well and I started work on the bike this week.

"That is a major step in the right direction and I have had no reaction to that so far.

"I hope that I can kick on and hopefully get back a little bit earlier than scheduled."

Ramage's current deal runs out in June, but the defender is only worried about one thing at the moment.

He added: "I am hoping for a new deal, of course.

"But the most important thing for me and the only thing I am focusing on is getting fit now. The rest will take care of itself."