Kevin De Bruyne on course for return to full training in March

Kevin De Bruyne hopes to be back in action after the next international break

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is on course for a return to full training at the end of March.

The Belgian had to be stretchered off in the Capital One Cup semi-final win over Everton in January, with tears in his knee and ankle ligaments.

But the City playmaker is making good progress in his recovery and hopes to play his part next month as City look to supplement Sunday's Capital One Cup success.

He told City's official website: "I hope to be back training with the squad in five weeks, after the international break at the end of March.

"Everything's going according to plan. I've already been working cautiously for four weeks now: doing some squats, training my muscles. Now the brace is off, the real work is about to begin."

Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles attempts to assist the stricken De Bruyne

The 24-year-old was part of the celebrations at Wembley after Sunday's Cup final, but admitted it had been a frustrating experience.

He said: "It was difficult. I hate sitting in the stands. I'd rather watch a match at home, because once you're in a stadium, you always want to be on the pitch.

"It's a weird feeling to miss a final, but I'm really happy we've won. It's my first trophy over here and hopefully not my last. I only missed this game in this campaign. That happens."