Source: Northern_Echo
Ameobi set for bench
SHOLA Ameobi will return to the Newcastle squad for today's home game with Watford, but the fit-again forward is likely to be on the bench following last weekend's three-goal blitz of Swansea.[LNB] Ameobi suffered a stress fracture to a bone in his foot during August's Carling Cup win over Huddersfield, and has been sidelined for more than three months.[LNB] He returned to full training at the start of last week, and is expected to return to the Magpies squad as Chris Hughton's side look to extend their winning run to six matches.[LNB] He will have to wait a little longer for a return to the starting line-up, however, with Hughton set to keep faith with Marlon Harewood and Peter Lovenkrands following their efforts against Swansea.[LNB] The duo shared all three of Newcastle's goals last weekend, and Hughton is unlikely to alter his starting line-up just to accommodate Ameobi.[LNB] Shola is more than halfway through his second week of full training, said the Magpies manager. He has looked very good and has trained extremely well.[LNB] The only thing he is missing is match play.[LNB] I've continually assessed him and I'll think about what I've got. Then, I'll make the right decision for both Shola and the team.[LNB] Harewood will be particularly desperate to start today's game as he looks to persuade Hughton to extend his loan deal to the end of the season.[LNB] The striker is due to return to Aston Villa at the end of the month, but he has spoken extensively of his desire to remain at St James'.[LNB] Hughton is keeping his cards close to his chest, and a final decision on Harewood is still to be taken.[LNB] That contrasts with the situation surrounding Danny Simpson and Zurab Khizanishvili, with Newcastle attempting to secure the former for the second half of the season, while sending the latter back to Blackburn.[LNB] We're very aware of the situation and we have to continually assess where we are, said Hughton.[LNB] There will always be options approaching the window, and we have to continually assess those.[LNB] We have three loan players Danny to the window, Zurab and Harewood and the best way to deal with them is very much between the player and their club.[LNB] We have our own views and thoughts on the three, so it's continuous.[LNB]
