Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle’s injured trio are on the mend
ALAN PARDEW was given a triple striker boost yesterday after receiving encouraging news on three of the four forwards Newcastle United have remaining in their senior ranks.[LNB] Shola Ameobi, who has undergone an operation on his fractured cheekbone, should return to action sooner than initially feared.[LNB] It had been expected that Ameobi would be out for at least six weeks following the elbow in the face he took from Steve Sidwell at Fulham last week.[LNB] After yesterday's surgery, though, there are hopes he could be back in Premier League action next month, with the visit of Everton a realistic target on March 4.[LNB] But, more importantly in the shorter term, Pardew is expecting both Nile Ranger and Leon Best to have recovered from minor knocks in good time to be available for this Saturday's trip to Blackburn.[LNB] Following the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool, Newcastle need all of their attacking options after failing to bring in a replacement.[LNB] Pardew is continuing to assess the market for free agents, with former Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere the most likely candidate to sign a short-term deal, while Brazilian Ewerthon is also an option.[LNB] For now, though, the Newcastle boss is having to focus on the men he can rely on for the rest of the season and both Best and Ranger look certain to be fit to compete with Peter Lovenkrands for a starting role at Ewood Park.[LNB] Best was forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad that faced Wales in Dubin last night because of a hamstring injury sustained in the latter stages of Saturday's epic draw with Arsenal.[LNB] Ranger had to be pulled out of the England Under-20s' match with France tonight in fear that a niggle could turn out to be much worse.[LNB] But both players are due to restart training tomorrow, with Pardew keen to give them a couple of days' worth of sessions in the hope they will have made a full recovery in time to face Blackburn.[LNB] With Newcastle still monitoring the free agents, they are desperate to keep the rest of their strikers fit and captain Kevin Nolan feels that in Ranger the Magpies have a rough diamond.[LNB] The 19-year-old has been used mainly as a substitute under Pardew, who has claimed the former Southampton forward must improve his character and his focus if he wants to become a long term success at St James' Park.[LNB] Nolan is satisfied Ranger can channel his self-belief in a way that will ensure he helps Newcastle cope following the departure of Carroll.[LNB] You don't have to work on the confidence of a lad who is 19, said Nolan. When you get a chance to play in the Premier League, your confidence should not be shot.[LNB] You should just be relishing it, knowing that if you get a chance you will score goals.[LNB] Hopefully that is what he will do. I am sure he will.[LNB] He has to learn and hopefully this experience is going to serve him well for our future.[LNB] That's what it is all about.[LNB] We have to make sure, first and foremost, that we are in the Premier League next season. Then we can spend a bit of that cash (received by selling Carroll) on a few players coming in to help the likes of Nile.[LNB] Meanwhile, Gateshead have extended the loan of Newcastle defender James Tavernier until April 9.[LNB] Ian Bogie, the Gateshead boss, has been impressed by the 19-year-old's displays since arriving seven matches ago but Faroe Islands midfielder Joan Simun Edmundsson has returned to the Magpies.[LNB] Newcastle have announced season ticket details for next season which will give supporters a chance to take advantage of a ten-year price freeze.[LNB] Supporters can make the most of the offer by committing themselves until the summer of 2022, while there is also an annual opt-out clause.[LNB] Over 18s' tickets are being raised in price by £15, but that will also include automatic membership in the Toon Army 12th Man scheme, which offers benefits like priority booking slots.[LNB] The St James' Park family area will be extended in to the North-West corner of the stadium, where the standard price for Under18s for the season will be £100.[LNB] For those fans who normally sit in that area of the Leazes Corner, the club insist they will be given priority in relocating them and there will also be a new area for young persons (aged 18-21) priced £265.[LNB] Existing season ticket holders are likely to receive their renewal packs early next week.[LNB]
