Newcastle United have revealed striker Mark Viduka is nearing a return to fitness as he will not require more surgery.

The Australian international has yet to play for the club this season, after he had surgery on his Achilles during the summer.

Newcastle physio James Murphy has denied rumours that the hitman will need a second surgery, saying: "Surgery is not considered necessary."

Viduka added: "Of course I want to play for Australia again - it's something that's never out of my mind.

"But it's a step-by-step process and the first stage is to get back playing for my club again.

"I've got to be 100 percent fit and 100 percent sure in my mind that my heel is strong enough. When that happens I'll be back for Australia."