Ameobi closing in on a return

Newcastle could be handed a boost with the impending return of striker Shola Ameobi from a fractured cheek-bone. The 29-year old was in Detroit last week to see specialist Jeremy Murray and there is a high chance that Ameobi will use a protective mask in order to make an early return to the first team. The striker is keen to return to action but understands he needs to be careful.

"It all depends on the fitness. The mask is there to protect it, but I also have to get used to wearing it. We have to make sure that safety-wise it works, it will protect me, and that I can get the confidence in it," he said.



The Newcastle front-man suffered the injury against Fulham earlier this month and was expected to be out for a good few more weeks. His early return will boost Alan Pardew's limited attacking resources after the manager. Andy Carroll's departure to Anfield had been left the Newcastle manager with only three fit forwards available to him in Leon Best, Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands.



It would be a tough case for anybody to argue any member of that trio is a true Premiership class striker but they have all done well when called upon. Best and Lovenkrands have been the preferred pairing up top and the duo have made an impression with three goals in their three appearances together.



On current form there is no real need to change the current pairing up front but having another option from the bench rather than just the young Nile Ranger will only benefit Newcastle's hopes of maybe nicking a Europa League place over the next few months.



Newcastle faced Bolton this weekend without Ameobi, but managed to claim a 1-1 draw.