JOEY Barton hopes to step up his comeback bid next week by starting some light jogging for the first time since breaking a bone in his foot during pre-season.

The midfield star - who celebrated his 25th birthday last week - has not kicked a ball since since sustaining the metatarsal injury in a friendly match at Carlisle United back in July.

But Barton is in good spirits as he continues to work his way back to full fitness at the club's Benton-based training ground and admits that his rehab schedule is right on track.

"The rehab is going fine and everything is going according to plan," the £5.8m summer signing told nufc.co.uk.

"I'm doing some very light work in the gym at the moment but I hope to be back doing some light running next week and then build it up from there."

Barton had been handed the captain's armband for the warm-up match against the Cumbrians when he picked up the injury in fairly innocuous circumstances while making a run down the wing at Brunton Park.

And, while the England international admits it was frustrating to be sidelined so early in his Toon career, he retains a positive outlook and insists he is only looking to the future and the day when he is finally able to make his black and white bow.

"It was a setback because when you come to a new club you want to play as much as you can to show the people who have invested in you what you can do," he added.

"But I'm a strong believer in fate and things happening for a reason. It was frustrating but I've taken it on the chin and just got on with things."

Will you be there to cheer on Big Sam and the lads when Nobby Solano, Scott Parker, Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy return to St.James' Park with West Ham later this month?

Get your seat now for this game and the home matches against Everton and Spurs by calling the SJP Box Office on (0191) 261 1571, or by clicking below to vist NUFC Online Ticket Sales ... Click here for a full list of matchday prices ...