Newcastle duo in fitness race for Owls test

Dec 21 2009

by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle

NEWCASTLE United’s in-form midfielder Alan Smith and goal hero Shola Ameobi have emerged as doubts for Saturday’s trip to Hillsborough. The Toon’s Yorkshire terrier took a whack in the first half at St James’ Park in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough after a collision with Rhys Williams and hobbled off shortly after the break after trying to run off his leg knock. And the same goes for Shola Ameobi who also tread gingerly out of St James’ last night after finishing the game with his ankle in an ice pack. United won’t take any chances with Smith and Ameobi against the Owls, with Nicky Butt standing by to fill the midfield slot and Andy Carroll free again from suspension. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT United manager Chris Hughton told the Chronicle today: “What we said to Alan was ‘we don’t want you hobbling around – this is the type of game where we can’t afford that’. “He was honest enough to say he wasn’t right, and consequently we brought Nicky on – and he’s not a bad player, in those circumstances, to bring on.” Hughton will give his players Christmas Day off as a reward for their win over Boro, and he is expected to give Ameobi and Smith until the last minute to prove their fitness. But with a home game with Derby County looming on Monday, Hughton said: “We know we’ve got a game two days later, and we’ll have to make some big decisions.”

Top | Back | E-mail to a friend | Printable version

For more Newcastle United news, go to... ChronicleLive | JournalLive | Sunday Sun

Newcastle United News Ryan Taylor 'ideal replacement at right-back' says Simpson Jun 30 2010 DANNY Simpson insists right-back rival Ryan Taylor has the perfect credentials to fill Newcastle United’s troublesome defensive slot when the Premier League season kicks off. more Time for Andy Carroll to step it up - Hughton Jun 29 2010 ANDY CARROLL will be told to “play it again” next term by Chris Hughton, with a return to pre-season training just six days away. more Chris Hughton unfazed by lack of signings Jun 29 2010 CHRIS Hughton has admitted Newcastle United are unlikely to have any new faces for the start of pre-season training next week as he continues to fire blanks in the transfer market. more Ginola backs Hughton in the transfer market Jun 28 2010 DAVID GINOLA today supported Chris Hughton’s patient approach in the transfer market – despite the fact a clutch of Newcastle United’s top-flight rivals have already pulled off several transfer coups. more Steve Harper urges NUFC fans to stick with them Jun 28 2010 STEVE Harper has urged Newcastle United fans to stick with the team next season as he admitted everybody’s resilience will be tested back in the Premier League. more Ryan Taylor: Critics will make NUFC stronger Jun 25 2010 RYAN TAYLOR feels Newcastle United can benefit from any external negativity that comes their way this summer. more Chris Hughton happy with backroom support Jun 25 2010 CHRIS HUGHTON is not looking to ease the burden of being back in the big league by adding to his backroom staff. more Newcastle United explore Andrew O’Brien option Jun 25 2010 NEWCASTLE United are considering a St James’ Park return for former defender Andrew O’Brien. more Click here for more Newcastle United News

Discuss This... Click here to discuss this story on our forum. Forum admin: Log in or register now

Copyright and Trade Mark Notice

© 2012 owned by or licensed to ncjMedia Limited. icNewcastle™ is a trade mark of ncjMedia Limited. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.

 

Jobs Newcastle, Homes in Northeast, Used Cars Northeast, Newcastle Free Classified ads Mortgages, Jobs in Newcastle Local Mole - Local Directory