Siem de Jong is closing in on a Newcastle United comeback.

The Dutch attacking midfielder, 26, has been sidelined for around eight months with a groin strain as well as a collapsed lung but returned to action with the U21s on Tuesday night.

Former Ajax star de Jong played almost 75 minutes as the young Magpies beat Aston Villa 2-1 and is now looking to force his way into John Carver's senior side before the end of the season.

"The plan always was to be part of that game, to be on the bench. I played 72, 73 minutes and hopefully I can be part of the team next week," he said.

"We will see what happens. I don't think I could play 90 minutes yet, especially not on a level higher, so we will have to build it up and see how it goes."

De Jong is in line to play a role off the bench in Saturday's home meeting with Swansea City.