Newcastle boosted by return of Viduka, Martins and Smith to face Everton

16 February 2009 14:14
Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith are poised to give Newcastle [LNB]some welcome good news and could return for Sunday's meeting with Everton [LNB]at St James' Park.   [LNB]The trio have been absent for much of the season and their comebacks could not be more timely, with the Magpies 13th in the Barclays Premier League but just four points above the relegation zone.   [LNB]Chris Hughton, who along with Colin Calderwood is in charge of team affairs following boss Joe Kinnear's heart surgery, told the club's official website: '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.   [LNB][LNB][LNB] Fighting fit: Martins (left) and Viduka could be in contention on Sunday[LNB]'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.'[LNB]Australia striker Viduka has been limited to five appearances all season by an Achilles problem but came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the 3-2 defeat of West Brom at The Hawthorns as Newcastle ended a winless run of eight matches.   [LNB]Nigeria striker Martins has been out since mid-December with a hernia, while England international Smith has had foot and ankle problems and has not featured this term.   [LNB]Hughton believes the presence of three seasoned internationals will benefit the entire squad, even if they are not fully fit.   [LNB]'The group of lads we've got, they'll look around them and see senior, quality and experienced players with them,' he added. 'Even if they are not quite up to full fitness, the lift they give the rest of the lads is obvious.   [LNB]'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.'[LNB]Brazil international defender Claudio Cacapa is also making progress in training, having been unavailable in 2009 due to a knee injury.   [LNB]'Among the minuses there are plenty of pluses,' added Hughton. [LNB]  Harper thriving out of Shay's shadow after turning down Spurs to stay at Newcastle[LNB]EXCLUSIVE: Joe Kinnear to get £1m bonus if Newcastle stay up[LNB]Hughton: Newcastle boss Kinnear will want to be kept in the loop - even on his sickbed[LNB]Tel may come in to Newcastle as Joe Kinnear rests[LNB]NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail