BLACKBURN midfielder Barry Ferguson is remaining upbeat after an operation on his fractured kneecap.

Ferguson could be sidelined for three months after suffering the setback playing for Blackburn at Newcastle on December 28.

He is already showing good progress and has returned to the club's Brockhall training complex a week after surgery.

"The good news is I am walking without crutches already," the former Rangers midfielder said.

"Every step moves me closer to a return.

"Everything seems to be going well. Now I am over the initial shock I have to work hard and try and get back as quickly as possible.

"I am a very positive person and I won't allow this to get me down.

"It was very disappointing, because I was just beginning to settle into the Premiership. But that's football, and you just have to get on with it."