Fabricio Coloccini is hoping that his return to fitness can aid Newcastle United in enjoying a strong end to the season.

The Argentine defender is poised for a return to first-team duties for today's visit of Aston Villa after spending the last seven weeks on the sidelides with knee ligament damage.

The Magpies have suffered in his absence, losing four times and conceding 13 times along the way, but the fit-again 32-year-old is hopeful that he can lead the team's resurgence.

"After seven weeks out it is nice to finally be back," he told the club's official website.

"I have been injured since New Year's Day and, during that time, it has been very difficult to watch the team's performances and results without being able to do anything about it.

"You want to help your teammates but you can do nothing and it gets very frustrating, but I am just pleased to be back now. It means that I can do my best on the training pitch and in matches to help the team and hopefully get us winning games again."

This afternoon's clash at St James's Park kicks off at 1.30pm.