Pundit Paul Robinson believes the return of Matt Ritchie will be 'like a new signing' for Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce.
The Scottish international was pictured in training this week at the Magpies' Benton base along with Florian Lejeune.
The 30-year-old has been out of action since coming off second best in a challenge with Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury in the Carabao Cup defeat at St James' Park in August.
Ritchie underwent an ankle operation and headed to the Middle East for a training camp to aid in his recovery.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Tottenham goalkeeper Robinson believes Ritchie will play a key role for United on his return - but has warned against the 30-year-old getting rushed back on to the pitch.
The former England international said: “He’s been out a while, he’ll be like a new signing for Steve Bruce. He’s obviously not had him around much while he’s been there.
“Pictures of him coming out and back training again, it’s only good. As a fellow professional, you see players who have been out a long time, you know how frustrating it is yourself.
“It’s still a long journey to go when you get back to the grass, there’s still a lot of conditioning and strength and physical work to get you back but yeah, early signs seem very good.”
