Chris Lakey Jamie Cureton has returned to training at Colney - just a week after having his appendix removed.

Chris Lakey

Jamie Cureton has returned to training at Colney - just a week after having his appendix removed.

The Canaries striker's first task yesterday was a 20-minute run around the training ground's fields, after which he felt no ill effects.

“It's the first time I have done something since the game the other weekend,” said Cureton. “I've done a 20-minute run and it feels alright, getting a few cobwebs out. But the actual pain doesn't feel too bad.

“I have played with worse injuries, pain wise.”

Doctors caught Cureton's problems in its early stages, which meant he was able to undergo keyhole surgery - although the 32-year-old admitted it had all come as a bit of a shock, particularly as he thought it had cleared up by the time he declared himself fit for the Preston visit 10 days ago.

“I was fairly ill on the Thursday and I made a decision on the Saturday that I felt okay, so I put myself up to play and came on and felt okay and everyone said I looked sharp,” Cureton said. “But as soon as the game finished I felt weak and Sunday I was in agony, didn't sleep at all.

“I came in Monday and they sent me for a scan and Monday night I had an op - it was a shock to be honest. I thought I just had an illness that would pass through.

“I felt a bit worried because I didn't know how long it would keep me out.”

Cureton could be back in time for the trip to Leicester this weekend, although the visit of Barnsley the following week looks more likely.

“They were saying three weeks, some were saying two,” he said. “It is just disappointing because obviously I am trying to work my way into the team again and it was just another setback.

“We pencilled in Barnsley, but if I can push for Saturday I will. It depends how my body feels, but I'll give it my best shot.

“I hate being in the treatment room so if I can get out as quick as possible I will and I will be pushing them to get out and train.”