Kinnear has been ordered to take two months out of football after undergoing a triple heart bypass but expects to be back at his London home this Sunday.

United will be taking on Everton by the time he returns home and Kinnear is expected to watch the game on TV with his family.

But Hughton said today: "The news has been good. He's made a good recovery which we expect to continue.

"He will deal with the specialist.

"I'm quite sure that whatever time he is given, he'll be back.

"I had a long conversation with him. He was in good form and sent on his best wishes.

"He's determined to get back into football. He's a football man and he's champing at the bit."

United have had a two-week break after the 3-2 win at West Brom which was Newcastle's first win of 2009.

Newcastle will have Obafemi Martins back from a thigh injury while Mark Viduka and Alan Smith are also back in contention along with Jonas Gutierrez who is back from suspension.

Hughton said: "As far as the break is concerned it's been important, on one hand you want to get back into games but with what happened to Joe it's given us breathing space to evaluate.

"We've got players back from injury and had a chance to regroup.

"Things are more stable than before.

"We are through the transfer window and these players will see us through until the end of the season, we know that now."

Hughton was at Goodison Park for Everton's 3-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa which put the Toffees in the quarter-finals for the first time under David Moyes.

He added: "I watched them last week, it summed up what they are.

"I think they are a very good side and David has them well organised.

"They are confident and coped well with injuries.

"But for us we are at home and coming in off the back of a win at West Brom. It's a chance to put some daylight (between Newcastle and the relegation zone).

Hughton also confirmed that Michael Owen has targeted his return to the Newcastle first team on March 14 against Hull.

Hughton admits that Owen - who has been in Portugal for warm weather training this week - has been making good progress.

He said: "We're expecting him back in training in 10 days and hopefully back for the Hull game.

"He is doing very well and it will be good to have him back."

Owen said: "I'm right on schedule for a mid-March return to action.

"After I damaged my ankle ligaments three and a half weeks ago the specialist said it would be six weeks to recovery, and that's exactly what it looks like being.

"It should be full training for me by the start of March and, hopefully, fully fit and available again for the game at Hull City on March 14.

"With the injured lads getting back to fitness, the picture can quickly change.

"What is important is as many players as possible return to a winning team firing on all cylinders.

"That is another reason why the West Brom win was so important."