Chris Hughton: "I saw him yesterday.
"He's in good spirits, and his thoughts are very much on getting into his rehab and getting back playing this season.
"He realises the tremendous support for him on Tyneside, and he just wants to get himself playing again.
"You don't wish that type of injury on anyone. It's not a nice side to the game, but he's a smashing lad, and he's very focused on getting back fit.
"When you have an injury like that, it makes you much more determined, and his thoughts are very much on playing again this season."