The V-Bomber is resting up he looks to recover from the injury he picked up against Chelsea in Newcastle's penultimate fixture.

The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough front man could be back in time for the start of September if his recovery continues to go without a hitch.

Looking back on a testing season that saw him head to St James's Park after a tough Asian Cup and then being hindered by hamstring injuries, Viduka told the Newcastle Chronicle: “For myself it has been difficult with injuries and things like that.

“The end of the season was great and I have enjoyed playing football again.

“Coming off at the end of games with a smile on your face is the best thing a footballer can do.

“I think for next season I hope we can push on the way we have been.

“For me personally, though, I would like to play more games and have fewer injuries.”

The former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker finished the season with seven goals in 17 starts for United.

Michael Owen, Oba Martins and the big Aussie more than looked the part in attack in Keegan’s 4-3-3 formation.

United’s first defeat in seven matches only came when Viduka hobbled off at the break against Chelsea which coincided with the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat.

Viduka said: “I want to be more consistent. I was starting to feel fitter with each game I played.

“I would have liked to be like that for the whole season, and if I’d had a pre-season I would have been a lot stronger at the end.”

Viduka has one year left to run on his current deal but has a year’s option after that which may take him to 2010.

And after a summer’s rest Viduka is looking ahead to pre-season training, although he is likely to spend the first four weeks in the treatment room.

He added: “Hopefully I can get some pre-season under my belt and that’s basically what I’m after. We want to really have a go at things next season."