Toon new boy Best ‘straining at the leash’

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Hughton confirmed today that both Shola Ameobi and Danny Simpson have been passed fit to be involved against the Bluebirds, which leaves the United chief with some difficult decisions to make in attack and a dilemma at right-back as he faces a straight choice between the Mancunian defender and Scouser Ryan Taylor. Midfielder Alan Smith is also hoping to shake off a thigh injury, although Jonas Gutierrez is doubtful with a muscle strain. And even though Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton do not even come into consideration, Hughton now has plenty of options in his squad after being bolstered by six new faces last month, including another new boy waiting to make his bow, QPR loanee Fitz Hall, who can also play in midfield. Hughton said: “There are a few knocks and bruises, but we’re assessing everybody today before deciding on which team we field.” Hughton was wary of the Michael Chopra factor today ahead of the United old boy’s return to St James’ Park, with the ex-Toon striker in red-hot form with 16 goals – three in the last two outings. But he refused to single out any of the opposition. He said: “Cardiff are a team that I think will be up there right until the end of the season. Story continues ADVERTISEMENT “Their last away game was a 6-0 win and, apart from Michael, they have other dangerous players who can score goals. “There’s Jay Bothroyd, Mark Burke and Peter Whittingham, who all pose big threats to us. “We haven’t taken anybody in this division lightly.”

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