Carroll on course to face Bolton

19 November 2010 10:30
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will keep his fingers crossed that striker Andy Carroll suffers no reaction to his England exertions ahead of the Barclays Premier League trip to Bolton. The 21-year-old played 70 minutes for his country in midweek despite a groin problem, but returned unscathed, and he could be joined in the starting line-up by Shola Ameobi following his recovery from a hamstring strain. However, Hughton will be without midfielders Cheik Tiote and Joey Barton, who are both suspended. Utility man Ryan Taylor will be missing for three months after undergoing surgery to repair ankle ligament damage suffered in training last week, and keeper Steve Harper is around three weeks away from returning to training following his shoulder injury. Leon Best (ankle) is gradually working his way back to full match fitness and Dan Gosling (knee) is stepping up his training regime, but Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture) remains a long-term absentee.

Source: PA