Newcastle midfielder Damien Duff feels he has finally regained full fitness after making his long-awaited return to action over Christmas.The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international is now three matches into his comeback from a career-threatening foot injury.

However, while Sam Allardyce will be keen not to over-expose him so soon after his return, Duff is desperate to get as much football under his belt as possible.

"It's been busy, but that doesn't bother me because I'm just delighted to be playing again," he said.

"The results have been disappointing though, especially Chelsea (a 2-1 defeat) when we felt we could have got the win and definitely the draw.

"But I'm feeling great in myself and would say I'm just about 100% fit now.

"I came off with a couple of minutes to go against Chelsea but I felt like I could have run all day."

Duff has struggled to reproduce his best form since his £5million switch from Chelsea two summers ago, but is itching for the chance to do just that.

He said: "Now we have got some big games in the new year and I am looking forward to it.

"When you have been out for so long, you really appreciate playing again.

"We have got another busy month coming up and we have to build on the Chelsea performance and hopefully get a win in front of our own fans against Man City on Wednesday."

Allardyce, who will lose Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Beye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins on African Nations Cup duty this month, should have Faye available on Wednesday night after scans revealed no break in the arm he damaged at Stamford Bridge.

However, Alan Smith, who was involved in a clash of heads with the Senegal international at Chelsea, remains a doubt and midfielder Joey Barton will be missing again after being remanded in custody charged with common assault and affray.

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