NEWPORT County AFC defender Byron Anthony could be fit within a month as he aims to boost the Exiles’ promotion push.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined since breaking his leg in County’s Capital One Cup victory at Brighton & Hove Albion in August.

But Anthony is making rapid progress in his recovery and he believes a return to playing is not too far away.

“I go for a check-up on January 16 to see how everything is progressing,” he said.

“I’m doing a lot of work with the physio Adam Roche and Tony James, who is strength and conditioning coach now, and I’m feeling stronger every day.

“I’m looking forward to my progression. In my mind I’ve got a target and I don’t want to be too specific but it will be towards the end of January or the beginning of February I think.

“We’ll see how the rehab goes but I’m in good hands and looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“Tony has been great,” he added. “He has fantastic experience and knowledge of the game and it is brilliant working with him.”

There’ll be no rest for Anthony over the festive period either as he steps up his recovery.

“I’ll be in over Christmas doing my fitness work and I’ll be travelling with the boys,” he said.

“It’s not really time off for me and I’ve always been made to feel part of the squad even though I’ve been out for a long time now.

“I haven’t felt like I’ve stepped away from it. I’m working extremely hard to get back and boost the squad, just like all the other injured players.

“The boys are doing extremely well at the moment and we all want to be a part of it.”

The Newport-born star, a former Wales under-21 international, insists he has never had any doubts that he would come back from his horrific injury.

And he’s taken inspiration from the way stars like fellow Welshman Aaron Ramsey have flourished after recovering from similar setbacks.

“It’s part of football. You do get injured and I’m determined to come back fitter and stronger than ever,” he said.

“You only really get fully tested by taking part in training and playing games but I’m in a positive frame of mind and I can’t wait to get back out.

“You look at Aaron Ramsey as an example. His injury was a bit worse than mine because he dislocated his ankle and had a compound fracture as well whereas I just had a straight break.

“He took a while to get back to his best but he’s in the Premier League so it will but he’s not doing too bad now so that’s encouraging to me.

“Djibril Cisse did both of his legs as well so there are plenty of examples of players who’ve come back and I’m looking forward to kicking on and going forward with Newport County.”