LUCKLESS Pirates star Kyle Newman is hopeful of a swift return to fitness after suffering a broken collarbone in a high-speed crash at Peterborough.

The Plymouth skipper crashed to the deck after he was clattered into by the Panthers' Zdenek Holub in a Premier League fixture on Tuesday.

Poole-born Newman had his injury assessed at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester today, with the break confirmed during his visit.

However, with Pirates poised to return to action against King's Lynn next week, the 24-year-old is optimistic he will not be confined to the sidelines for too long.

Asked if a July return was likely, Newman told the Daily Echo: "It could be sooner. I'm not putting any timescale on it.

"I will have some physio and as soon as I'm fit enough I'll get back into the gym and we will take it from there.

"I will keep being positive and, hopefully, I will be back soon.

"It's not a bad break and there is no operation needed. It's just a case of seeing how I feel.

"It can be a quick turnaround, it can be a long turnaround, it's just a case of as and when you feel comfortable on the bike."

Newman struggled with a nagging groin problem earlier in the campaign.