Newcastle United have been boosted with the news that
strikers Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith could all
return for the Magpies's' clash with Everton on
Sunday.
Nigerian forward Martins has been out of action since December
with a hernia complaint, while both Viduka and Smith have been
missing for most of the season.
And with fellow front-man Michael Owen still expected to be
sidelined for another three-four weeks, the availability of the
striking trio serves as a timely boost for Joe Kinnear's side, who
himself is out of action having undergone heart surgery.
Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood have been left in charge of
first-team affairs in the manager's absence, with the former
confident the return of Martins, Viduka and Smith will boost the
morale of the remainder of the squad.
"Oba Martins, Alan Smith and Mark Viduka will all be fit to make an
impact in the run-in and that's a good boost for us," he told the
club's official website.
"It's very important to have them back in the frame. It's immensely
beneficial to us, they could be very important for us in the coming
weeks. The group of lads we've got, they'll look around them and
see senior, quality and experienced players with them.
"Even if they are not quite up to full fitness, the lift they give
the rest of the lads is obvious. Alan Smith has played in two
friendlies and will play in the next one, while Oba will have had
some training under his belt by the time of the next match."