The former Liverpool, Leicester City and Birmingham City forward is optimistic that he can be back in training as early as next week after a scan on his injured ankle has suggested the problem was not as bad as first feared.

The 29-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during his side's 5-3 win over Blackburn Rovers at the JJB Stadium on Saturday and left the ground on crutches.

Manager Steve Bruce had feared the England forward could be sidelined for a considerable period but Heskey has eased his worries ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.

Heskey revealed: "The scan showed I hadn't broken anything - it's better than I thought. I hope in a week or so it will be okay."

He added: "Fulham away (on December 22) is probably a bit too early; Aston Villa (at home on December 29) we will have to look at that and see where it goes from there."

Heskey has already fought back from a foot injury earlier this season - which ruled him out of England's final three Euro 2008 qualifiers, after he had impressed following his recall to the national side in September.