Newcastle United defender Massadio Haidara has admitted that he is delighted to be back in training following an injury layoff.

The 22-year-old sustained a knee injury earlier this year which ruled him out of the last three months of the season, but he is now preparing to get back to full fitness and is eager for the new campaign to start under new boss Steve McClaren.

"This week, I have four days of extra training with the physio before I'm back on Monday for full training with the squad," he told the club's official website. "That will be good.

"It's just to be safe, because they want to be sure I'm ready when I get back to full training. I'm well excited, because I had a four-month injury.

"It's important to rest because the season is long and hard, so you have to have some rest. But now we have to work hard because the new season starts soon and I'm happy to be back."

Haidara made 20 appearances last season for the Magpies.