 Newcastle's bid to bring UEFA Cup football back to St James's Park has received a boost after Shola Ameobi made a timely return to action on the training ground. The 24-year-old has begun a programme of running in recent days and, although his lingering fitness problems remain a concern for Glenn Roeder and his staff, it seems Ameobi's prospects of spearheading United's Intertoto Cup challenge next weekend have markedly improved. When the Magpies take on the winners of Lillestrøm and Keflavík's second-round encounter at St James's Park in nine days time, it will be without the services of the injured Michael Owen, the retired Alan Shearer and the departed Michael Chopra. That Roeder has yet to make a breakthrough in the transfer market this summer means his striking options will be severely limited, meaning Ameobi's potential involvement in the first game of his permanent tenure will come as a great relief to the optimistic Newcastle boss. "Shola is now definitely in with a shout," explained Roeder of a player whose long-standing hip troubles prevented him training when the Magpies began their preparations for the 2006-07 season last week. "He is back at work on the training ground, he has started jogging and he is starting to get back running again. But we must remember he is still a few days behind the rest of the lads." Roeder will take no chances with the former England Under-21 international should his participation be considered a risk. But Ameobi has passed his first challenge already, having been told last week that unless he begins training this week, he would not stand any chance of playing in the first leg of the club's Intertoto Cup tie. Given the history of the injury, United's medical staff will monitor Ameobi's progress closely - but the fact that the only attacking alternatives are Albert Luque and James Milner means Roeder will keep his fingers crossed there is no adverse reaction to the 24-year-old's increasing involvement. Although he has yet to make his maiden signing as Newcastle manager, the 50-year-old remains in a positive frame of mind and has found the infant stages of the club's pre-season campaign to be a rewarding experience. That will come as welcome news to Magpies supporters, given the start of the club's campaign is just nine days away. United are almost certain to face Lillestrøm after the Norwegians beat their hapless Icelandic opponents 4-1 in the first leg of their tie in Scandinavia at the weekend. Meanwhile, the Magpies will not replace Tony Caig - with Tim Krul set to assume duties as United's third-choice goalkeeper following the Cumbrian's departure for the Vancouver Whitecaps. ********** Newcastle's Premiership fixture at West Ham United has been put back by 24 hours - to Sunday, September 17 at 3pm - as a result of the Upton Park outfit's Uefa Cup commitments. | 
