NEWCASTLE vice-captain Alan Smith is eyeing a shock return before the end of the season after returning to full training ahead of schedule.

Long-term absentee Smith was joined by winger Kazenga Lualua in reserve- team training yesterday and reported no ill-effects from the ankle ligament injury suffered at the Stadium of Light in January.

The midfielder, a key man in the dressing room, has one year left on his deal and Alan Pardew is eager to keep him on board next season.

With Cheik Tioté set to be rested to prevent him from picking up a 15th yellow card and a subsequent three-match ban, the return of the combative Smith would be well timed for the Newcastle chief.

Assistant boss John Carver revealed the injury boost as United began preparations for their trip to Chelsea on Sunday. Lualua’s return from a broken leg is timely too, with newly-promoted Brighton looking to broker a permanent deal for the homegrown winger next season.

Carver said: “I was at the club yesterday because Alan and Kazenga made a little bit of a comeback in training.

“Both of them joined in and Alan did everything asked of him, including playing in an 11 v 11 game.

“Alan looks in absolutely fantastic condition but then that does not surprise me because he is such a good professional.

“He has been out injured, but he has not let his fitness levels drop.

“Alan is a good player but his general approach is just as impressive. He really looks after himself.

“I have come across players before who, when they are out injured, it takes them longer than it should to come back because they don’t take care of themselves but that is not Alan.

“He does not drink, which is a good start.

“He is one of these lads who is determined to come back as soon as possible and because he is like that he will no doubt be thinking to himself he wants to play again this season.”